Manchester United make Sekou Kone decision as he awaits possible debut
Man Utd face National League side Forest Green Rovers in a brand new competition on Wednesday night.
Sekou Kone will not feature for Manchester United when they face Forest Green Rovers in the National League Cup tonight.
United will play their first ever match in the brand new competition this week, as 16 teams from the Premier League 2 face 16 teams from the National League. The U21s are set for a tough test against the side currently second in the fifth-tier of English football and will also face Altrincham, Oldham Athletic and Rochdale in Group B.
United's involvement in the tournament will give many of their promising youngsters an opportunity to pit themselves against experienced professionals, many of whom have vast Football League experience.
However, there will be no place for summer signing Kone in the squad, despite a social media post this week that suggested he could soon make his debut for the club. The 18-year-old took to social media on Tuesday night to post a picture of himself in a United shirt, which some supporters interpretated as a timely hint ahead of a possible first appearance.
A source confirmed the picture was taken last week as Kone was not around for the initial squad photo session, and that although he still hopes to make his debut shortly, he will not be involved against Forest Green in midweek. United are in no rush for Kone to make his debut and are mindful of easing him into action after his seismic change of scenery at such a young age. The teenage midfielder is very much viewed as a long-term option for the future and a player with genuine first-team credentials.
Kone is essentially undergoing his own pre-season schedule at the moment having only signed from Malian side Guidars FC on transfer deadline day. It is believed United will pay a fixed fee in the region of £1.2 million for his signature, with a number of performance related add-ons also included.
United first scouted Kone at the U17 World Cup last year. He was watched by multiple staff throughout tournament and identified as player of significant interest to follow. He was then watched at U18 tournament in Morocco earlier this year when recommendation to sign him came. Kone has been described as a highly-talented youngster who excels in terms of his technical composure and quality off both feet. Club sources are also excited by his ball manipulation when under pressure, his physical ability to press with intensity and his overall mentality.