Sekou Kone: Man United change transfer plans after serious injury | OneFootball

Manchester United are set to change their plans for Sekou Kone after a serious injury halted the 19-year-old starlet’s progress, according to a report.

A Worrying Injury

There was acute concern after Kone was stretchered off the pitch in August during an U-21’s match against Tamworth in the National League Cup.

The Malian midfielder, signed from Guidars FC last year for a fee in the region of £1 million, suffered a head injury after a nasty collision.

It required immediate medical attention before being taken to hospital by the emergency services. The match was abandoned as a result because there was no replacement ambulance available.

Kone spent the night in hospital under observation, but was released the next morning. It was then revealed he had sustained a fractured eye socket during the clash.

A source close to the academy revealed he was “fine” but was being prevented from contact training due to the injury, significantly postponing his return to action.

Earlier this month, U-21’s manager Travis Binnion provided a hugely encouraging update, revealing Kone would be “ready to play” after November’s international break – three months after the incident against Tamworth.

“After the international break, we think he will be ready to play, which will be good. He has not been able to do contact, which limits the work we can do, but he is back in full training now and we will get a body of training back into him, with contact.”

However, Kone’s return to Carrington may be a short one with the January transfer window just over six weeks away as the club are now considering sending the youngster on loan.

A Change in Plan

Youth football expert Christopher Michel reveals United are “planning” for Kone to leave Old Trafford for the second-half of the season in search of more first-team opportunities.

Tweet: “Exkl: Sekou #Koné has yet to make his breakthrough at #MUFC. He has also been plagued by injuries. The club is therefore planning to loan him out in the winter so that he can gain professional playing time at another club.”

There had been hope Kone may force his way into the senior team this season after being included by Ruben Amorim for a number of matchday squads last year.

There is obvious scope for improvements in the first-team midfield unit. Amorim has turned to the experienced pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, but the duo lack legs and energy; attributes the youthful Kone would offer in abundance.

But to have missed three months of football is significant, particularly for an inexperienced player still trying to find his feet in men’s football. And it will prove an easier transition for Kone to complete away from the bright lights of the Theatre of Dreams.

Kone’s best bet to secure his long-term future with United is to leave Manchester in the short term.

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