Manchester United are already planning on loaning out one of their Academy stars next season, despite a “brilliant” display against ASEAN All-Stars.
Manchester United were narrowly beaten 1-0 by the ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur, kicking off their two-game post-season tour of Southeast Asia with a defeat.
The hosts started brightly, aiming to put pressure on United’s defence, but senior figures like Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo soon began to take control.
Academy prospects Jack Moorhouse, Sekou Kone, and Shea Lacey impressed in the first half, with Mainoo seeing an effort cleared off the line, though neither side could find the net before the interval.
Amorim introduced more youth players after the break, continuing his focus on giving Academy talent valuable experience. However, ASEAN struck first, as Maung Maung Lwin fired a stunning effort past Tom Heaton with 20 minutes to go.
United pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but lacked the creativity to break through ASEAN’s disciplined defence, ultimately leaving Kuala Lumpur with a narrow loss.
Kone was brilliant against ASEAN All-Stars
Despite playing around 15 minutes in the first half before being taken off at half time, almost every United fan has been left in awe of a “brilliant” performance from Kone.
United signed the Mali-born star from Guidars FC for around £1 million last summer, and the player has had a few haults in his development after having to acclimatise from Africa to Manchester and suffering an injury soon after his move.
However, against ASEAN, his full range of abilities was on clear display, with the player looking uber-comfortable playing at the base of United’s midfield. On multiple occasions during his cameo, he was able to pick up the ball and evade intense pressure before turning and distributing upfield.
He was also not afraid to throw himself into clashes despite this being his first-ever taste of senior football, jumping high to intercept and win aerial duels.
Kone set for loan to enhance his development
English media have reported over the past week that Kone could leave Manchester United on loan next season in search of regular senior football, with Swiss side Lausanne emerging as the frontrunners for his temporary move.
Clubs in Belgium and France are also said to be monitoring Kone, but any departure would mark his first taste of competitive senior action. The Malian narrowly missed out on first-team opportunities under Amorim this season, despite regularly training with the squad and making the bench.
He could be joined at Lausanne by Enzo Kana-Biyik, who is expected to join United from Le Havre. The young forward would link up with Gabriele Biancheri and Chido Obi in the club’s growing pool of attacking talent.
Biyik is also likely to head to Lausanne on loan to gain consistent first-team minutes, having been named on the bench twice for Le Havre this season without making an appearance.
A successful campaign in Switzerland could pave the way for both players to return to United not just as prospects, but as genuine contenders for matchday squads and senior-level minutes.
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