Manchester United U21s manager Travis Binnion has tipped one “really effective” star to become a key player for Rúben Amorim in the future.
Despite the arrival of Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s youth sides have continued to play a back-four system under the guidance of Adam Lawrence (under-18s) and Travis Binnion (under-21s).
While it is unconventional to play a different system from the senior side, remaining with Erik ten Hag’s old formation has seen several youngsters transition to the first team and perform from the outset.
Most recently, Harry Amass and Tyler Fredicson made their Old Trafford debut and, despite the loss, showed their quality and performed better than some senior players.
Chido Obi made his first start against Brentford in United’s 4-3 defeat, in replace of Rasmus Højlund, but he received very little service and couldn’t make a strong impact on the game.
Several other youngsters look set to be given their debut soon, with Jayden Kamason, Sekou Kone, Bendito Mantato and Jack Moorhouse all involved in senior training ahead of United’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club.
Kone impressing Binnion since injury comeback
Kone joined United in the summer of 2024, but didn’t play his first minutes until November, due to still adapting to life in Manchester, but the young midfielder was injured in just his third game, returning to action two months later.
Since then, Kone has impressed for United’s under-21s side either as the deepest midfielder or even as a more advanced player, like against West Ham on Monday afternoon.
Talking after the game, Travis Binnion told MailSport why it was good for Kone to play in a new role, tipping him for success under Amorim in the future.
“I think for Ruben and the first team it will be in one of the two deeper positions, but as you know, we don’t play that shape with the Under 21s,” Binnion explained.
“I’m not too concerned where he plays, but I am concerned with how he performs and the decisions he makes. That will define how much success he has at first-team level and how quickly he gets there, and whether he stays there.
“I think it’s good for him to play in both positions, and it’s pretty interchangeable. We’ve got a structure, but he’ll have to go and receive it off the goalkeeper at times, receive it beyond the midfield at times, make runs at times, wherever he plays.
“Without the ball, he is combative. He just needs help positionally, and that comes with games and understanding. He’s really hard to play against.
“Once he gets running and he simplifies his game, he’s going to be really effective. The simpler he can make his game, the more proactive he is being and the simpler his transition is to senior football.”
Kone to be given debut before season end
United’s main priority for the end of the 2024/25 season is the Europa League, focusing first on the semi-final second leg against Athletic Club, before potentially reaching the final if they don’t lose by over three goals.
Therefore, the remaining fixtures in the Premier League represent an opportunity to play young players, so they are more prepared for the senior team in the coming years.
Some youngsters have already been involved, but Kone deserves to be given his debut before the season finishes, especially since he can play as the more defensive player or the more creative player in Amorim’s double pivot.
Other under-21 players could also be given a chance before the end of the season, with Moorhouse and Kamason impressing the most in recent months. Even Elyh Harrison could be given a chance in between the sticks, if the rumours about Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana’s future are to be believed.
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