Manchester United are set to see one of their young stars return to the pitch after the international break, after being hospitalised due to injury in August.
While Manchester United’s senior side have experienced inconsistent form in the Premier League this season, the club’s youth teams have been thriving.
The Under-18s currently sit second in their league, and the Under-21s have been outstanding in Premier League 2, winning seven of their eight matches.
Travis Binnion’s squad is packed with exciting young Academy talent and continues to impress, with several players already training alongside Rúben Amorim’s first team.
Chido Obi has been leading the line for the academy side, supported by Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato, who have both made significant contributions.
Kone set to return from injury
In the 2024 summer transfer window, United brought in talented midfielder Sekou Kone from the Malian side Guidars FC for around £1 million, with many expecting a quick path to the first team, considering the club’s current midfield shortage.
Despite impressing during the club’s post-season tour and the “brilliant” starlet’s loan move to Europe being halted in June 2025, Kone has yet to make his competitive senior debut for the club.
He was hospitalised in August after fracturing his eye socket during a National League Cup fixture against Tamworth, and has been out ever since.
However, as relayed by MailSport’s Nathan Salt, Kone is yet to return to contact training with his Academy teammates following his injury.
U21 boss Binnon also provided an update, saying: “After the international break, we think he will be ready to play, which will be good.
“He has not been able to do contact, which limits the work we can do, but he is back in full training now, and we will get a body of training back into him, with contact.”
Amorim will be watching Kone closely
Once the November international break is over on 21 November, Kone will seemingly return not just to Academy games, but will be part of the first-team training sessions, just as he was before his injury.
Amorim has a lack of midfield options right now, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes the clear favourites, while Kobbie Mainoo seems to have jumped ahead of Manuel Ugarte in the pecking order.
United have six games in December, playing plenty of midweek fixtures, and Kone’s return could come at a suitable time for the Reds amid the possibility of injuries in the department.
While United do not have Carabao Cup or European football this season, the commencement of United in the FA Cup, combined with the festive schedule, could afford Kone his first senior minutes for the club.
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