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Manchester United signed Sekou Kone in August from Malian side Guidars FC.
His reported transfer fee was only £1m, after United beat Liverpool and Wolves to his signature.
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Erik ten Hag has been highly impressed with Kone’s performance in training and is already considering integrating him into the first-team.
The 18-year-old may make his senior debut for United if they advance further in the Carabao Cup.
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How Sekou Kone Attracted Interest from Manchester United
New information from ‘academyarenaUTD’ on X has revealed the details of how Kone piqued United’s interest.
United first noticed the midfielder at a biannual international tournament between French and African clubs.
Scouts from Carrington attended the tournament in France and were impressed by the Malian international.
This interest prompted United to request a trial for Kone, but his club at the time (Guidars FC) rejected this proposal.
However, the Red Devils were stubborn in their approach and continued to scout Kone at the U17 World Cup in November 2023.
Kone started all seven games for his national team, helping them reach the semi-finals of the competition.
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With rival Premier League clubs also scouting the African talent, United knew they had to act quickly.
The club confirmed Kone’s signing on August 30, with an initial plan to ease him into the U18 side.
United’s staff have made an effort to help his transition into living in a new country.
The club have been teaching him English and showing him United documentaries to help him understand more about the club.
However, with Kone’s excellent progression, he could be involved in first-team football faster than expected.
He would be the fourth defensive midfielder in United’s senior squad, which would provide vital depth to Ten Hag’s side.
Exclusive details on Sekou Kone’s move to Manchester Utd:
Interest started at a tournament in France.
United requested trial from Kone’s club but it was rejected.
Trigger was pulled after his performances in the U17-World Cup. Club felt they had to act quickly. pic.twitter.com/sLbfkbgXoR— Academy Arena (@academyarenaUTD) September 27, 2024
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