Man Utd's £1m wonderkid Sekou Kone handed unlikely chance by Erik ten Hag

Transfer deadline day signing Sekou Kone was seen in Manchester United first team training ahead of the club's trip to take on Fenerbahce.

The Red Devils are taking a patient approach with the 18-year-old who they signed from Guidars FC for a , beating competition from and other clubs around Europe. The central midfielder has spent time training with United's under-21s but is not considered as an academy player.

Kone has yet to make an appearance for the club at any level since his arrival and the club are keen to patiently manage his acclimatisation. It is said the Mali youth international will play for United's second string before the end of this season but it seems he is receiving some time under 's watchful eye.

The youngster worked with the club's first team on Tuesday and was pictured alongside .

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What position does Sekou Kone play?

Kone is a central midfielder who has seen his ball-winning skill and stamina praised and can be used in a defensive role. It is said he also holds attacking qualities and has been likened to former and midfielder Yaya Toure.

When did Manchester United sign Sekou Kone and how much did he cost?

United confirmed the signing of Kone on August 30 ahead of the transfer window closing. A deal was said to be done for in the region of £1m.

The club acted on their interest after scouting the playing the under-17 World Cup in 2023 where Kone's Mali side finished third. It is reported after this tournament the teenageer was a identified as a player of 'significan interest'.

Who did Sekou Kone used to play for?

Kone was signed from Malian side Guidars wo are based in Bamako. The youth star was a graduate of JMG Academy, a training company established by French international Jean-Marc Guillou. The former player has nine academies, including set-ups in Ivory Coast, Egypt, Thailand and Vietnam.

How old is Sekou Kone?

Kone turned 18 in February.

What next?

Given United's patience thus far it is probably unlikely Kone will be involved against former United boss Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce side. The defensive midfielder is instead expected to play for the club's youth team before the end of the year as he adjusts to life in England.

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Erik ten Hag does have a number of absentees in his midfield however. is suspended for the match, while , , Toby Collyer and Dan Gore were all unavailable against Brentford. A close eye will be kept on Wednesday's open training sessions in a bid to discover the Portuguese star's replacement.

Despite injury worries, Ten Hag is looking forward to taking on Mourinho, and would like to meet up with the ex-Premier League manager. "Probably, yeah, but it's like a big game for both of us," he said.

"I really enjoy to face him, to play against him. He always has good teams and he is a winner. He has won so many trophies and, I think, is an example for many managers. So I really enjoy to play against him."

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