Sekou Kone has expressed his delight at joining Manchester United in the summer.
Manchester United fought off competition for Sekou Kone’s signature before one of the other big European clubs swooped in for the 18-year-old defensive midfielder.
Kone has not been thrown straight into United’s first-team. Instead, he’s played with the youth teams to get acclimated to life in Manchester.
The youngster was showing promising glimpses in games for United’s academy, but an injury setback has ruled Kone out of action for the foreseeable future.
Hopefully, it won’t be too long before Kone is back on the pitch, developing and getting closer to the first team, which is lacking in quality this season.
United’s best defensive midfielder in the first-team is Manuel Ugarte, while Casemiro has become a back-up option under Ruben Amorim, who will be eager to take advantage of United’s academy.
Sekou Kone shocked at Manchester United’s offer
Ineos have prioritised young talent in their search for new players and Kone is an example of that.
United signed Kone from Guidars FC in Mali.
He had only turned 18 in February before joining United on transfer deadline day.
Speaking to Africa Foot, Kone revealed his amazement at United’s offer in the summer and his love for the club as a kid.
“At first, I didn’t expect to sign for Manchester United,” Kone said.
“When I was presented with the offer, I was on cloud nine. 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.”
Kone added: “It’s a demanding club that has won the championship 20 times. It’s also a club that knows how to spot good opportunities.
“They made a big offer for a kid from Mali, even though I had everything to prove. And to be honest, 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.”
Kone not worried about lack of first-team opportunities
Kone not worried about lack of first-team opportunities at United
Kone is in the process of adapting to his new surroundings with the U21s, but an injury has delay that as well as preventing the opportunity for a call-up to United’s first-team.
The Malian youngster understands his situation at Old Trafford and claims he isn’t worried about the lack of opportunities at senior level. Perhaps the interview forgot he is just 18 after all.
“I understand the concern about my short-term future but I’m not worried about it at all,” Kone said. “A lot of youngsters have been launched like CR7, Rashford and most recently Mainoo 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.”
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