1 week Ago By Vatsal Gupta
Manchester United’s senior team might not have amounted to much this season, keeping all their eggs in the Europa League basket, but their academy has been impressive. After winning three trophies last season, the achievements on that front might be hard to replicate but in terms of what the true purpose of the academy is – to supply players to the first-team, they’ve been immaculate again. Tyler Fredricson is the latest to shine, following in the footsteps of Harry Amass’ long-awaited breakout.
Now, Man Utd academy coach Travis Binnion has said that another wonderkid who’s highly rated by the club is doing something that he couldn’t earlier. Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty ImagesTravis Binnion praises Sekou KoneSekou Kone joined Man Utd last summer but his arrival went a bit under the radar for a couple of reasons.Firstly, he arrived in the same summer as Chido Obi, the serial goalscorer who was a marquee capture at the academy level.
Secondly, he wasn’t ready for the first-team, far from it, in fact, at least from a physical standpoint, so he had to graft away from the spotlight. However, Kone has impressed recently and Binnion has said that the Malian youngster is progressing despite being a “long-term project”. He is already addressing his one major issue, a lack of physicality, by managing to play three games in a week for the academy sides.
Binnion said: “Sekou has a long way to go. He can get through three games in a week now for us, but he wouldn’t be able to do that at first-team level because he’s not quite there yet. His decision-making will make that easier for him, physically.
“It is a long-term project with him, but his ability is there for all to see.”Kone should target 2025/26 Man Utd pre-seasonConsidering that Kone had to overcome injury problems and a thin frame while getting used to the physicality of English football, the player has done remarkably well to succeed. With some slots opening in Man Utd’s senior midfield next season, Kone should fancy his chances of impressing in the pre-season next campaign.
Casemiro could be set for an exit while Christian Eriksen’s contract is expiring. Matheus Cunha is set to arrive but that’s for the advanced midfield spot. As it stands, Manuel Ugarte is the only shoo-in for the deeper midfielder role, unless Ruben Amorim sees Bruno Fernandes’ long-term future there.
The opportunity is there for Kone to step up and give Amorim a decision to make by impressing in the pre-season and go from there. The work never stops until then. As Binnion said, the ability is there for all to see.
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