Ruben Amorim has sent a hint over Sekou Kone’s role for Manchester United heading into the new season after surprise reports surfaced.
Manchester United had a productive pre-season tour this summer, winning the Premier League Summer Series after playing against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton.
The Reds also faced Leeds in Sweden before their trip to the United States and still have a clash with Fiorentina at Old Trafford before their season opener against Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim did not select many youngsters for the summer tour as he had an almost fully fit senior squad, but there were still some Academy talent involved.
Sekou Kone was present on the tour after joining the club last year and impressing with the Under-21s during his first season at United.
Amorim sends hint over Kone’s role for United
Surprise reports earlier this summer revealed that United had decided against loaning Kone for the upcoming season despite initial plans for him to join Lausanne-Sport.
Afterwards, his inclusion in the touring squad was revealed and many fans were excited to see if the 19-year-old could prove himself to Amorim and push towards first-team involvement.
But the United boss decided against using Kone in any of the four pre-season fixtures so far. In the touring squad, he was one of only two fit outfielders to not be given minutes.
That disappointed some supporters but it is a clear hint from Amorim that first-team football against Premier League opposition is slightly too early for Kone right now.
Training with United squad is important for Kone
Kone’s limited involvement during the tour could lead some to question why he isn’t being sent out on loan this season to get that first-team experience.
It is important to note that the teenager still spent every day training with Amorim’s squad which could be valued as more important than 20 minutes on the pitch in a game.
Those at Old Trafford likely feel that Kone should be regularly training with the first-team this season while getting more game-time at Under-21s level.
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That regular training time with United’s stars could end up preparing Kone for involvement better than a loan out to Switzerland.
While he is clearly not viewed as ready to compete in Premier League fixtures yet, it would not be surprising if Kone pushed for a debut later this season if he continues to work with Amorim’s squad on a daily basis at Carrington.
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