Manchester United’s Under-21s had their National League Cup fixture against Tamworth abandoned in the first-half after an injury to Sekou Kone occurred.
Manchester United’s Under-21s side began their season on Wednesday evening with a clash against Tamworth in the National League Cup.
The young Reds started the game very strongly and came close to scoring on two occasions, with Jaydan Kamason and James Scanlon being denied by the woodwork.
Unfortunately, late in the first-half, Sekou Kone suffered a blow to the head inside the United penalty box and medical staff were immediately on the pitch.
Despite standing up relatively quickly after the incident, aiding by United’s staff, Kone was told to lie back down on the turf while he received treatment.
After around 10 minutes, the referee decided to send players from both teams into the dressing rooms with Kone still on the pitch, and he was soon stretchered off into an ambulance.
There were some hopes that the game would be resumed afterwards but around 30 minutes later, it was confirmed that the game would be abandoned.
National League rule forces United U21s game to be abandoned
There was some confusion after Kone was taken off the field. The commentary team initially thought that he was already on his way to the hospital.
But they were then made aware that the United youngster was still at The Lamb Ground inside the ambulance while staff were waiting for another to arrive at the stadium.
All National League Cup fixtures require an ambulance to be on site at all times and the game couldn’t be resumed as there were no available ambulances to arrive in time.
Travis Binnion’s youngsters looked to go through a training session on the pitch after the decision was confirmed.
Kone update after head clash
Fortunately, soon after the game was called off, positive news over Kone’s condition was shared onto social media.
United released the following statement: “Sekou Kone is conscious, stable and communicating with United’s medical team. He has been taken to hospital as a precaution for further checks.”
Kone joined the Reds last summer from Mali side Guidars FC and was included in the first-team’s pre-season tour under Ruben Amorim, although he did not appear in any of the fixtures.
The club’s Under-21s will begin their Premier League 2 campaign against Middlesbrough on Monday, 18 August.
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