Manchester United’s Sekou Kone plan explained after first impressions under Erik ten Hag

Sekou Kone made his first impressions under Erik ten Hag after taking part in Manchester United’s first-team training session this week.

Sekou Kone’s unexpected £1 million transfer to Manchester United during the summer window highlighted the club’s new approach under INEOS ownership.

The new leadership at Old Trafford is focusing on acquiring young, promising talents before their value surges elsewhere.

Kone, 18, was signed along with other rising stars such as Chido Obi-Martin, Samuel Lusale, and James Overy.

However, the Mali-born midfielder is believed to be closer to potential first-team action and that was displayed by his involvement in Tuesday’s first-team training session.

Kone took part in his first session under Ten Hag, with multiple first-team midfielders unavailable due to injuries such as Mason Mount, Toby Collyer and Kobbie Mainoo.

However, it was clear that Kone would not be involved in the travelling squad for the Europa League game against Fenerbahce this week.

The 18-year-old was not included in United’s 25-man squad for the competition and is not eligible to be placed in the B-List, which is for players who have spent at least two years at the club.

Instead, the Manchester Evening News report that Kone is set to make his debut for the club’s Under-21s side in the coming weeks as he builds his fitness up after missing pre-season.

It was further explained that United’s new no.42 will initially play in the Academy before he becomes a regular presence in the first-team sessions at Carrington. He is also going through a more demanding and intense training regime than he was used to in his home country.

Travis Binnion’s side have a league fixture against Newcastle and a Premier League International Cup game against PSV Eindhoven before the end of the month.

They then face Sunderland’s U21s at the beginning of November before playing Huddersfield’s first-team in the EFL Trophy.

Kone could start playing games over this period, but whether these games will be available to watch on MUTV is yet to be seen after staff-cuts led to a cutback in Academy coverage.

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