"I understand the concern" - Manchester United 'bold' summer signing explains why he hasn't made debut yet

Manchester United deadline day signing Sékou Koné insists he is 'not worried at all' about the quiet start to life at his new club.

United completed the signing of the teenage midfielder from Malian side Guidars FC on the transfer deadline day of the summer window, for an initial fixed fee in the region of £1.2 million, with a number of performance-related add-ons also included.

The 18-year-old has been described as a top talent with a huge amount of raw potential and could prove to be a smart addition for United in the years to come. A club source described his arrival as a 'bold signing' after the club's new football leadership and recruitment team backed the recommendation of the club’s international scouting network.

Kone was considered a future first-team signing, with an acceptance he would need a season playing for the U21s to adapt to his new surroundings before he is gradually integrated into the senior frame. Speaking about his start to life in Manchester, he told Africa Foot: “I understand the concern about my future in the short term, but I’m not worried at all. A lot of youngsters have been launched, like CR7 [Cristiano Ronaldo], Rashford, and most recently Mainoo, and the new coach is a fan of the beautiful game and loves youngsters too. I just need to work really hard and grab my chance when it comes.”

United first scouted Kone at the U17 World Cup last year and fought off strong competition from Red Bull Salzburg for his signature. Asked why he decided to move to Old Trafford, rather than go elsewhere, the youngster had a simple reason: “At first, I didn’t expect to sign for Manchester United. When I was presented with the offer, I was on cloud nine. Manchester United are a great club in world football and I can only be delighted with this choice, which will enable me to move up the ladder.

“It’s a demanding club that has won the title 20 times. It’s also a club that knows how to spot good opportunities. They made a big offer for a kid from Mali, despite the fact that I had everything to prove. And to be honest, you can’t turn down Manchester United. I’ve always said to myself that it was a choice of the heart, because I’ve loved Manchester United since I was a kid.”