Man Utd promote £1million prodigy to first team ahead of Fenerbahce clash as fans say ‘Ten Hag is planning wonders’
MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Sekou Kone is training with the first-team ahead of the clash with Fenerbahce.
The Red Devils travel to Turkey to face Jose Mourinho‘s side in the Europa League on Thursday.
And ahead of the game, Erik ten Hag has promoted Kone from the youth-team.
But the teenage sensation will have to wait for his debut as he is NOT eligible for selection after being left out Man Utd‘s Europa League squad.
However, he is able to play Premier League games and in Europe post-January if he is chosen when Ten Hag can change his squad.
Other youngsters Harry Amass, Amir Ibragimov, Sam Mather, Ethan Ennis, Ruben Curley, and Habeeb Ogunneye have also reportedly been training with the first-team.
Kone, 18, joined for £1million in the summer from Malian outfit Guidars.
The midfielder, who has been dubbed “the next Yaya Toure”, caught the eye of Man Utd scouts at the Under-17s World Cup last year.
He helped Mali finish third at the tournament, with his performances attracting the likes of Wolves, Crystal Palace, Ajax and RB Salzburg.
The boss has a midfield selection headache to deal with as Bruno Fernandes is suspended after picking up a red card in the 3-3 draw with Porto.
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Meanwhile, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Toby Collyer and Dan Gore are all out injured.
Since joining Man Utd in August, Kone has not yet played a game for the club’s Under-21s.
He has instead been given extra time to settle into life in Manchester.
But fans are hoping he makes his debut soon, with one saying: “Erik is planning to do wonders with the youngsters.”
Another added: “Him and Mainoo in midfield, scary for our rivals.”
Man Utd player ratings vs Brentford
By Neil Custis
MANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.
Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.
The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.
On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.
ANDRE ONANA – 6
Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6
At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.
JONNY EVANS – 7
Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6
Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.
CASEMIRO – 5
Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7
Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8
Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 7
After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.
SUBSTITUTES
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5
Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.
Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6
A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.
Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6
A change that probably should have come earlier.