Ruben Amorim has confirmed that one Manchester United youngster will receive increased game-time in the next post-season friendly game after impressing fans vs ASEAN All-Stars.
Manchester United began their two-game post-season tour of Southeast Asia with a narrow 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur.
The home side made a lively start, putting early pressure on United’s back line. However, the likes of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo soon began to dictate the tempo.
Sekou Kone and Shea Lacey injected some pace into the game after being introduced on the 30-minute mark. Both players looked sharp during their short cameos.
Amorim made a host of changes at half-time, which included bringing Kone and Lacey back off. The game was being played at a snail’s pace but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock, as Maung Maung Lwin curled a brilliant shot past Tom Heaton with 20 minutes remaining.
United pressed for a late equaliser, but were unable to breach the hosts’ well-organised defence, ending their opening fixture in Southeast Asia with a hard-fought loss.
Amorim confirms United starlet will receive increased game-time
There wasn’t much to be taken from the game other than that most of those players are either not good enough or want to be on holiday – or both.
However, there were a couple of bright sparks, and it was probably the players who only seen around 15 minutes on the pitch who impressed the most.
Kone, in particular, looked energetic and smart with the ball. He produced a lovely back-heel to kickstart an attacking move and also managed to win almost all of his battles in the middle while keeping his composure on the ball.
United fans labelled the performance of the teenager as “brilliant” and it is clear that Amorim was also impressed. The head coach confirmed that Kone will be seeing more game-time against Hong Kong on Friday.
Speaking to the media about the midfielder, as per MUnitedFR, Amorim said: “He will play more in the next match. He did well. All the young players tried and that’s the most important thing.”
Kone set for loan move in 2025/26
Kone will be hoping to continue impressing in that fixture, as he seems to offer the kind of tenacity and physicality missing in United’s ranks.
However, he is still young and the club are actually looking at a potential loan for him in the upcoming season so he can develop his game further before making his breakthrough at Old Trafford.
INEOS-owned Lausanne-Sport are emerging as the leading contenders to sign Malian midfielder for the 2025/26 campaign. The Swiss club are currently ahead of several sides from France and Belgium, who are also keeping a close eye on the 19-year-old.
A move this summer would represent Kone’s first step into senior football. Despite being a regular presence in first-team training and making the bench on multiple occasions, he was unable to break through under Amorim during the past season.
With playing time and further development a priority, Lausanne are seen as a strong option to help Kone over the next 12 months.
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