Man Utd will allow the talented youngster to leave the club in the summer window.
There were not many positives to take from Manchester United's humiliating defeat to ASEAN All-Stars yesterday, but there was one at the very least. United were booed off in by supporters in Malaysia after lethargic and laboured display that showcased so many of their problems over the past season. In many ways, it was the perfect taste of a United matchday experience for those who attended.
United rarely looked like scoring, though they came close when Kobbie Mainoo saw a volley cleared off the line late in the second-half. It came during a period of dominance for Ruben Amorim's side, that had been inspired by the introduction of four youngsters from the bench.
Daniel Armer was calm in central defence, Jaydan Kamason fizzed a fierce shot over the bar and Shea Lacey played a dangerous free-kick into the opposition box. The brightest contribution was from Sekou Kone though, who caught the eye with his energy and enterprise in central midfield as well as his desire to always get on the ball. It was a bright cameo that showed just what he has to offer, though it might be a while before supporters see that in a United shirt.
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Sekou Kone set for loan exit
It has been a season of steady development for Sekou Kone since he joined from Guidars FC in Mali on deadline day of the summer window a year ago. It is believed United will pay a fixed fee in the region of £1.2 million for his signature, with a number of performance related add-ons also included.
United first scouted Kone at the U17 World Cup back in 2023, where he was watched by multiple staff throughout tournament and identified as player of significant interest to follow. He was then watched at U18 tournament in Morocco last year, when the recommendation to sign him came.
A club source described his arrival as a 'bold signing' after the club's new football leadership and recruitment team backed the recommendation of the international scouting network. They spoke glowingly of his ball manipulation when under pressure, his physical ability to press with intensity and his overall mentality, though they warned he would need time to adapt to the huge cultural change of life in Manchester. That was all evident yesterday.
There were concerns over his initial lack of physicality, but the 19-year-old has gradually got up to speed with his new surroundings and had a greater influence on matches. He played predominantly as a defensive midfielder but also impressed in a more advanced role, and there remains a decision to be had over which position his long-term future lies.
Kone will get another chance against Hong Kong tomorrow and is expected to feature in the club's pre-season schedule under Ruben Amorim as well. It will be a busy summer for the teenager, who will also represent Mali at the prestigious Toulon Tournament in France next month.
His hope will be to play so well that he earns further first-team opportunities at Old Trafford, but with far fewer matches to be played next season in the absence of European football, United are expected to send several youngsters out on loan this summer. Kone is one of those who has already been earmarked for an exit as he looks to gain valuable experience and get up to speed with the physicality of senior football.
There has been interest from Belgium and France in his loan signature, though a move to Ineos-owned Lausanne in Switzerland, is viewed as the more likely destination. Enzo Kana-Biyik has also been tipped for a move to the Swiss side once he joins from Le Havre, as United look to make the most of a potential feeder club agreement.
Kone has sent a timely reminder he has the potential required to be a future force in the United midfield. Now the club must help him fulfil it, even if it means sending him away for a bit.
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