The early team news as Man Utd face Aston Villa in the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.
Manchester United could hand a debut to Sekou Kone when they face Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season today. Ruben Amorim is expected to name a strong side at Old Trafford, though there could be a few notable changes from the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
It has been reported Andre Onana could be dropped from the starting line up, while Alejandro Garnacho could also miss out ahead of his anticipated summer exit. There could also be involvement for teenage midfielder Kone after he was spotted arriving at the stadium with the rest of the first-team squad.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a productive debut season at the club since he joined from Malian side Guidars FC last summer. Kone has made 14 appearances all competitions at youth level but has yet to make an appearance for the first-team, though he has been named on the bench three times in the Premier League.
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Sekou Kone set for summer exit
Manchester United plan to send exciting youngster Sekou Kone out on loan in the summer transfer window. The 19-year-old could represent the first-team on their post-season tour of Asia as well as their pre-season trip to the United States, but the next stage of his development is set to be a loan exit.
United want Kone to get a proper taste of professional football and are likely to send him out on loan to fellow INEOS-owned club FC Lausanne-Sport. It is understood United will look to make the most of their relationship with the Swiss club and could also send summer signing Enzo Kana-Biyik there on loan next season.
A club source described the 18-year-old as a 'bold signing' after the club's new football leadership and recruitment team backed the recommendation of the club’s international scouting network. Kone is considered a future first-team signing, though there was an acceptance he would need a season playing for the U21s to adapt to his new surroundings before he is gradually integrated into the senior set-up.
Speaking about his start to life in Manchester back in December, he said: “I understand the concern about my future in the short term, but I’m not worried at all. A lot of youngsters have been launched, like CR7 [Cristiano Ronaldo], Rashford, and most recently Mainoo, and the new coach is a fan of the beautiful game and loves youngsters too. I just need to work really hard and grab my chance when it comes.”
United first scouted Kone at the U17 World Cup last year and fought off strong competition from Red Bull Salzburg for his signature. Asked why he decided to move to Old Trafford, rather than go elsewhere, the youngster had a simple reason: “At first, I didn’t expect to sign for Manchester United. When I was presented with the offer, I was on cloud nine. Manchester United are a great club in world football and I can only be delighted with this choice, which will enable me to move up the ladder.
“It’s a demanding club that has won the title 20 times. It’s also a club that knows how to spot good opportunities. They made a big offer for a kid from Mali, despite the fact that I had everything to prove. And to be honest, you can’t turn down Manchester United. I’ve always said to myself that it was a choice of the heart, because I’ve loved Manchester United since I was a kid.”
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