Sekou Kone’s long-awaited return finally flickered into life this week, as the Manchester United wonderkid stepped back onto the pitch after three months of recovery.
A fractured eye socket halted Sekou Kone’s momentum in August, a cruel collision that cut short the early strides he had been taking since arriving at Manchester United from Guidars FC.
Instead of heading out on loan in the summer, the 19-year-old remained in United’s Under-21s ranks and would have been hoping to push for first-team action, but the injury has interrupted those plans.
United’s staff insisted on patience – and rightfully so – shielding the midfielder from any rush that could risk relapse.
But after a long injury layoff, the Malian finally felt the turf beneath his boots again during the international break and fans will be excited to see how he can develop this season.
Mali coach offers warm words as Kone returns
Kone joined up with Mali’s under-23 side during the break, taking a seat on the bench in Jakarta before entering to a warm round of applause. It wasn’t a long cameo – just half an hour – but it was a meaningful one. A purposeful one. His first minutes since his injury against Tamworth.
Mali’s U23s boss Fousseni Diawara spoke glowingly about the United midfielder after the match, praising his potential.
Diawara described Kone as “a promising player with many good qualities”, emphasising that he has “many opportunities to develop” at a club as globally adored as United.
It was a genuine endorsement – one that echoed what United saw when the midfielder dazzled at the Under-17 World Cup and beat off interest from European giants such as Barcelona.
Kone entered with Mali leading Indonesia 2-0 and helped see out a composed 3-0 win, their final goal coming deep into added time.
For Kone, though, it was getting minutes in the tank that mattered most, building up his match sharpness as he readies a return for United’s Under-21s.
Next steps at United: a loan, or a leap into the first team
This international cameo now sets the stage for his domestic revival. United’s U21 boss Travis Binnion has already confirmed the midfielder should be ready to return immediately after the break.
The plan now is clear: United want Kone not merely fit, but flourishing. Those inside Carrington quietly believe a January loan move could accelerate his development, offering him experience of senior football that youth games struggle to mimic.
It would be a beneficial next step – one that may lead to first team opportunities later down the line.
Kone must use the coming weeks to sharpen his match fitness and rediscover his natural tempo. His touch and tenacity will return quickly if his cameo with Mali was any indication.
For United, they still see him as a long-term jewel in their academy crown, and a loan will only aid his development. Midfield is a position United are looking to strengthen, but maybe the answer to their midfield meditations is closer to home than they think.
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