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Manchester United Under 21s boss Travis Binnion has told Sekou Kone exactly what he must do to break into Ruben Amorim’s first-team plans.
Kone joined United last summer from Malian side Guidars FC in a deal worth around £1m. United successfully warded off competition from other European sides to land the midfield sensation.
The Red Devils first scouted him in November 2023 at the U17 World Cup in Indonesia. The club kept tabs on him and he impressed, helping Mali beat Argentina to claim a third-place finish in the competition.
Since his arrival, United have been patient with Kone in a bid to ensure his adaptation to a new life and English football is as gentle as possible.
He has done well at youth levels and according to the Daily Mail, there is a real excitement about him and what he can go on to achieve.
It’s understood that there are some who are surprised Kone has yet to be handed his senior debut. Behind the scenes, the 19-year-old is considered to be perfect for one of the deeper-lying midfielders in Amorim’s system.
Binnion spoke to the Mail and said about Kone, “I think for Ruben and the first team it will be in one of the two deeper positions, but as you know we don’t play that shape with the Under 21s.”
“I’m not too concerned where he plays but I am concerned with how he performs and the decisions he makes. That will define how much success he has at first-team level and how quickly he gets there – and whether he stays there.”
During the U21s’ recent meeting with West Ham, Kone was deployed in a more advanced midfield role.
Binnion continued, “I think it’s good for him to play in both positions and it’s pretty interchangeable. We’ve got a structure but he’ll have to go and receive it off the goalkeeper at times, receive it beyond the midfield at times, make runs at times, wherever he plays.”
“Without the ball he is combative. He just needs help positionally, and that comes with games and understanding.”
“He’s really hard to play against. Once he gets running and he simplifies his game, he’s going to be really effective. The simpler he can make his game, the more proactive he is being and the simpler his transition is to senior football.”
Amorim has named Kone in several matchday squads, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the teenager make his debut before the season ends.
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