Erik ten Hag planning to fast-track 18yo Man Utd starlet after impressive training performances

Erik ten Hag is reportedly planning to fast-trick an 18-year-old Manchester United starlet who has impressed with his performances in training.

The Reds had a successful summer transfer window for Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad, with the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui looking like smart additions.

INEOS also have kept a keen eye on the Academy and how they can improve the talent coming through at Carrington. Some smart additions have been made already.

Samuel Lusale and James Overy have both joined the club and are going to move into the Under-18s squad, who are currently unbeaten so far this season.

Chido Obi-Martin is expected to join them soon once the Premier League ratification process for his deal from Arsenal is completed.

However, potentially the most exciting coup for the club is 18-year-old Sekou Kone, who joined from Mail club Guidars FC for a reported fee of £1 million.

Since his arrival, Kone has been adjusting to life in Manchester, with the club supporting him in building connections with his youth teammates.

Kone impressing Ten Hag already with fast-track plan

According to a new report from GiveMeSport, United are planning to fast-track Kone, who has already ‘excited’ Ten Hag and his coaching staff.

It was claimed that should United progress in the cup competitions, like the Carabao Cup, the young midfielder could feature in a matchday squad with the possibility of making his debut.

Kone’s performances in training have been impressive, the report adds, and while he will begin in the U21s squad, progression to the first-team could come sooner than anticipated.

Recent reports have claimed that the new signing is still a few weeks away from full fitness after missing pre-season in the summer. He could make his debut for the youth team next month against Newcastle’s academy.

A potential big plus

United can not hang their hat on Kone being a serious first-team option this season but the same could have been said about Kobbie Mainoo last season.

Instead, the now-19-year-old became one of Ten Hag’s most important players. So we can never predict what will happen with these young players, and at what pace.

There should be no expectations for Kone to influence the first-team but if he can, the young player seems to have the right profile to help United in midfield and could be a big plus if the club believe he deserves to be fast-tracked into action later this season.

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