One Manchester United star could be set to get an opportunity against West Ham this weekend after Ruben Amorim changed his mind about him.
Manchester United began their pre-season with a goalless draw against Leeds and now shift focus to their upcoming tour of the United States.
The squad is set to fly out to America on Tuesday, where they’ll face West Ham in their opening fixture of the tour next weekend. This match is part of the Premier League Summer Series, which also includes clashes against Bournemouth and Everton.
After wrapping up their U.S. tour, United will return to Manchester for a home friendly against Fiorentina at Old Trafford. The team will then kick off their Premier League season against Arsenal on 17 August.
Bryan Mbeumo is expected to feature for the first time in the upcoming match against The Hammers and some other players could also get their chance to impress.
Kone could get chance vs West Ham after Amorim changed his mind
Sekou Kone has travelled with the United squad Stateside despite previous reports suggesting that he was in line for a loan spell for the upcoming campaign.
It has been explained that Kone impressed Amorim during the opening weeks of pre-season at Carrington and influenced the head coach to change his mind on that loan departure.
With the young midfielder now set to stay at Old Trafford this coming season, he will be hoping to get a chance on the pitch to impress against West Ham on the weekend.
Kone was involved in the squad in Sweden against Leeds but was not brought on by Amorim, who will surely be wanting to take a closer look at the 19-year-old in the coming weeks.
Kone fits Amorim’s ideal midfield profile
Kone might not be ready for first-team football but it is undeniable that his profile is the exact kind which Amorim wants in his engine room.
After criticising the lack of pace and energy in the middle of the pitch against Leeds, the Portuguese boss should be looking to test the teenager alongside the senior players.
Not only does Kone have the energy and bite that his head coach desires, but he is also extremely positive on the ball and can evade pressure in that deep role.
Barring the new signings, he is probably one of the most interesting players to keep an eye on this summer, with a potential first-team place not out of the realm for next season if he impresses.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.