Ineos’ recruitment policy of signing elite talents from across the globe could yield its first major win soon.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has always been clear about the manner in which he wanted Manchester United to operate in the transfer market.
Ratcliffe outlined this desire to sign the stars of tomorrow, as opposed to overpriced big names as was a prevalent tactic under The Glazer Family.
Ineos has put together a crack team in order to achieve this with Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell two figures who fit the bill.
Already, this plan has been evident in the recruitment with Diego Leon, Sekou Kone, Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi all signed for peanuts with massive potential.
Of this quartet – there is one player who has been improving rapidly and looks set to replace Casemiro this year if his development continues.
Sekou Kone getting better and better for Manchester United
When United announced the signing of Kone from FC Guidars back in the summer transfer window, there was plenty of excitement around his potential
Kone cost United just £1m, a figure which should have immediately tempered expectations as the Malian midfielder had a lot of work to do.
After spending his first few months adapting to life in England, Kone made his debut at U21 level in November – with his outing labelled ‘really bright’ by Travis Binnion.
Kone then picked up an injury 42 minutes into his first United start and has only recently returned The 18-year-old is expected to be fast-tracked, and in recent weeks game-by-game he is improving.
Kone shined against Oldham, and on Friday night against Tottenham’s U21 side, he had his best game yet – completely dominating in midfield.
Much like Obi, Kone has evolved very quickly with a noticeable difference in his physicality, passing and decision-making over the past couple of weeks. Now, it’s getting to the point that he looks a cut above the rest at this level – which can only mean one thing.
Kone is ready to be Ruben Amorim’s replacement for Casemiro
Kone’s development now looking to be close to the level of him being above youth football – United will no doubt be planning his debut.
Come this summer, Casemiro is almost certain to be on the exit list. In Kone, United have already replaced the £60m Brazilian – for £59m cheaper – and he may already be better when looking at what an almost 33-year-old Casemiro offers.
Kone is not perfect just yet – it is worth noting – but when his qualities in 2025 are compared with Casemiro in 2025, there will soon be one clear winner.
Casemiro has become United’s third-choice defensive midfielder behind both Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer which is a role Kone could absolutely fill right away.
If United wanted to make sure of Kone’s level – his performances will no doubt have Championship clubs – and maybe even higher – very keen on a loan next season, before he becomes a United regular at aged 20.
But Kone is ready right now and would be a far better fit for Amorim’s system than Casemiro if called upon.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/kUdSRcb