Sekou Kone included in Manchester United’s Premier League Squad this season
Manchester United have included midfielder Sekou Koné as part of their Premier League squad for this season.
Kone was signed two days before the transfer deadline from Malian side Guidars FC and is considered to be one of the best young midfield talents in world football. The midfielder is 18 years old and impressed for Mali at the U17s World Cup last year.
Player Profile
Kone mostly operates as a No 6 however he can also comfortably play in the No 8 role. The player is a modern day holding/defensive midfielder with great athleticism and work rate. Kone has great strength for his age and is very solid in duels. His long legs and lanky frame allow him to make tackles from a number of positions and he does this to great effect on a consistent basis. The midfielder is technically sound with a good passing range and brings great maturity and game intelligence for someone so young. Manchester United may have unearthed a real gem in a position they have previously struggled with for longevity.
The Academy
Kone was at Ewood Park a few weeks ago to watch Manchester United U21s vs Blackburn Rovers and it is the U21s where he is expected to play in the academy.
Manchester United’s U-21 team will face Manchester City next Saturday (21st September) and fans will be hoping to get a glimpse of Kone for the first time then.
The fact he has been included in the registered Premier League squad hints that United may be prepared to fast track the midfielder to the first team sooner than you think. 
Conclusion
It’s always important to be careful not to apply too much hype and pressure on youth players at Carrington but the scrutiny at United is undoubtedly like no other club. The new executive team on the recruitment side have recently ramped up their efforts to act swiftly and decisively when they scout/spot young emerging talent. Kone was bought with the new long term vision and planning in mind for the club. He is certainly one to get excited about and a player many fans will have eyes on in the coming weeks as he is set to make his debut.