Sekou Kone reveals three players who inspired him to join Manchester United

Highly-rated midfield talent Sekou Kone joined Manchester United on deadline day during last year’s summer transfer window.

Sekou Kone emerged as a surprise deadline day signing for Manchester United last summer, arriving from Guidars FC for a fee of around £1 million.

The 18-year-old’s arrival generated excitement among United supporters, even though many knew little about the Mali youth international.

Kone had impressed as one of the standout performers at the 2023 U17 World Cup, catching the attention of United’s scouts.

His signing marked the type of acquisition United had often missed out on in previous years before INEOS took over and changed the approach to recruitment.

Kone reveals three inspirations for United move

Despite the club’s difficulties in recent years, United still have a significant lure when attracting players in the transfer market. Fabrizio Romano reveals that the Reds beat Ajax to Kone’s signature.

That is even more significant for young players due to the way in which United have developed youngsters through the good and bad periods.

“At first, I didn’t expect to sign for Manchester United. When I was presented with the offer, I was on cloud nine,” he told Africa Foot last week. “Manchester United is a great institution in world football and I can only be delighted with this choice which will allow me to climb the ladder.

“Manchester United is not something you can refuse. I always told myself that it was a choice of the heart, because I’ve loved Manchester United since I was little.”

The 18-year-old midfielder also noted Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo as three inspirations who have ‘launched’ their careers at Old Trafford like he wants to do.

“A lot of youngsters have been launched like CR7, Rashford and most recently Mainoo,” he continued. “And the new manager is a believer in the beautiful game, he loves youngsters too. I just have to work really hard and take my chance when it comes.”

When could Kone next play for United?

Kone has only played a handful of times for the youth teams at Carrington, partly due to a purposively slow integration period and also because of a recent injury setback.

Reports assured that the injury was not serious and Kone could be back in action when the Under-21s return to action later this month.

After a break over Christmas, Travis Binnion’s side have a jam-packed January with games against Leeds, Aston Villa, Nordsjælland, Brighton and Oldham’s first-team.

Read More: Man United secure ‘stunning’ Academy talent on long-term contract, he’s been phenomenal this season

The first test comes against Leeds’ youth side on Friday, 10 January and Kone will be hoping to be back involved as he looks to progress towards a first-team debut.

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