Kobbie Mainoo has paved the way for academy stars to break through to the first team over the summer.
In the 2023 pre-season, Kobbie Mainoo made a remarkable breakthrough under Erik ten Hag and never looked back.
Now, Mainoo is valued at £70m by Ineos after becoming a key player in this United squad. The 20-year-old made the most of his opportunities in pre-season and now there are plenty of other academy players who can follow in his footsteps.
Ruben Amorim named a 32-man travelling squad for the 2025 post-season tour of Asia, including nine unseen United academy stars who have a chance to impress.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Sekou Kone can follow Kobbie Mainoo path in 2025 tour
United’s first post-season friendly is on Wednesday afternoon against ASEAN All-Stars, and Amorim could start Sekou Kone in Kuala Lumpur.
Kone was signed by Ineos in the summer, arriving for a £1.25m fee from Malian club Guidars FC. However, he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils.
Reports suggest Kone could be loaned to sister club Lausanne but first he has a chance to impress Amorim while on tour.
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Ineos believe Kone has first-team potential and he can prove it out in Asia. Kone has been improving in the academy this season and has been settling in before being thrust into the first team.
Kone has been compared to Paul Pogba and Yaya Toure during his short spell in Manchester.
Sekou Kone can capitalise on Christian Eriksen exit
After United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, the Red Devils bid farewell to three players including midfielder Christian Eriksen.
Eriksen leaving United this summer means there is now a gap for Ineos to fill.
United have been linked to Jobe Bellingham and other midfield targets this summer, but there is also an opportunity for Amorim to promote another academy star if he sees fit.
READ MORE:What Man United have planned for Sekou Kone and Paul Pogba-esque academy star next season
Toby Collyer made a similar breakthrough under Ten Hag and Amorim – he will hope for more regular minutes next season.
He could be joined in the first team by Kone depending on how his performances go out on tour.