Man United pundit reveals key figure who helped sign “brilliant” star Sekou Kone

One Manchester United pundit has revealed a key figure who helped secure the signing of Sekou Kone on deadline day.

Kone, 18, joined United for a reported £1 million on deadline day. The club announced his signing, with a picture alongside technical director Jason Wilcox.

A statement explained further details on his initial role at Old Trafford: “Kone only turned 18 in February and will initially be supported by the Academy to give him time to settle into life in Manchester.”

The Mali youth international stood out at the U17 World Cup last year and is a defensive midfielder, a position that United have lacked in quality over the past decade. Manuel Ugarte was also signed as an immediate first-team option in the position.

In the long term, Kone is viewed as having the potential to become a first-team player, and this move shows the change in approach from the old regime.

In fact, many would argue that this is a move that a team like Brighton would make – low risk and high reward – and, of course, United’s new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, made his name doing these deals at the Amex Stadium.

Ben Thornley, a former United player and current MUTV pundit, has spoken glowingly about the move to bring Kone in and highlighted Ashworth’s impact on the deal.

He told MUTV, as per UnitedInFocus: “It’s absolutely brilliant. This is the remit Dan Ashworth brings with him.

“He has a plethora of knowledge about how to bring them into the academy. This is another one of a number we have signed in this transfer window and I’m sure there are more to come.

“They [players] know Manchester United has got a huge rich history of bringing players through, and still be able to develop them. Trust me – they are in the best place.”

Kone will initially start playing with the Under-21s but could soon get opportunities to impress Erik ten Hag in first-team training.

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