Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United will have hoped to leave the woes of the 2024-25 season in the past, but over in Malaysia, Ruben Amorim encountered familiar problems.
Wednesday afternoon saw an utterly disappointing 1-0 loss at the hands of an ASEAN All-Stars team, which saw Manchester United lack any kind of attacking cutting edge.
The game saw Ruben Amorim use 27 of his 32-man squad, which he brought on tour, with some playing just 15 minutes, making it difficult for the team to gain much momentum.
Given it was a post-season friendly, chances are the players also weren’t really taking it all too seriously; however, for one of United’s exciting teenagers, it was an opportunity grabbed with both hands.
READ:Man United Pre-Season Tour 2025: Fixtures, dates, kick-off times and how to watch
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sekou Kone was Manchester United’s best player in 13-minute cameo
When the tour squad was announced, one of the players we were most excited to see was Sekou Kone, with the Malian midfielder having all the tools to star in Amorim’s midfield.
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Kone has been patient while waiting for his chance, being on the bench several times over the past few months.
He started the friendly against ASEAN All-Stars on the bench; however quickly found himself making his senior debut, non-competitive, for United.
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The midfielder only played from the 32nd minute until half-time, but Kone’s performance was the standout of the entire game as he added an electric energy to the midfield, which had been lacking.
The 19-year-old was so bright with his passing, dribbling, and duel-winning, all impressing and leaving no doubt that he is ready to be used by Amorim further. Kone could have a Kobbie Mainoo-like breakout during this tour and the pre-season tour in July, making himself too good to ignore next season.
Kone has been tipped to be sent on loan by United, however, this quality display is a sign he should be kept around. The teenager offers more than most of the United midfield department, so sending him on loan after a season of such rapid progression in the academy, and now for Amorim, would be a mistake.
READ:Who is Sekou Kone? Meet the midfield man who could have Kobbie Mainoo-esque impact at Man Utd
Kone follows Ruben Amorim demand perfectly
Kone was one of the big winners from the defeat as he will have impressed Amorim by following what the head coach said he wanted the youngsters to show before the game.
Speaking before the game with MUTV, Amorim admitted his excitement over the youngsters, before revealing his one demand to them.
“I am looking forward to seeing the young players playing with more experienced players. They just have to work hard and give their all; that is all I ask.”
Now, Kone will surely be in line for further minutes in Hong Kong on Friday, with his impressive performance deserving of a step-up under Amorim.
This could be the start of his breakthrough, and we are delighted to have witnessed it.