Manchester United Talent Impresses in Pre-Season Friendly
A disappointing 1-0 loss to an ASEAN All-Stars team in a pre-season friendly in Malaysia did little to lift the spirits of Manchester United, but one player stood out from the rest. Sekou Kone, a 19-year-old Malian midfielder, grabbed the opportunity to shine with both hands, impressing manager Ruben Amorim with his electric performance.
According to a report by United in Focus, the game saw Amorim use 27 of his 32-man squad, with some players only featuring for 15 minutes, making it difficult for the team to gain momentum. However, Kone’s 13-minute cameo from the 32nd minute until half-time was a breath of fresh air, adding a much-needed energy to the midfield.
The midfielder’s performance was the standout of the entire game, impressing with his passing, dribbling, and duel-winning. As United in Focus noted, Kone "was so bright" and left no doubt that he is ready to be used by Amorim further. The teenager has been tipped to be sent on loan by United, but this quality display suggests that he should be kept around. Kone offers more than most of the United midfield department, and sending him on loan after a season of rapid progression in the academy would be a mistake.
As reported by United in Focus, Amorim had one demand for the youngsters before the game: "I am looking forward to seeing the young players playing with more experienced players. They just have to work hard and give their all; that is all I ask." Kone followed this demand perfectly, and his impressive performance will surely earn him further minutes in Hong Kong on Friday.
Kone’s breakthrough could be just around the corner, and United in Focus noted that he "could have a Kobbie Mainoo-like breakout during this tour and the pre-season tour in July, making himself too good to ignore next season." The teenager has been patient while waiting for his chance, being on the bench several times over the past few months. However, his performance against the ASEAN All-Stars team suggests that he is ready to take the next step.
As quoted in United in Focus, Amorim’s pre-game comments highlighted his excitement over the youngsters, and Kone’s performance will surely have him delighted. The manager will be looking to give Kone further opportunities to shine, and the teenager will be eager to prove himself in the upcoming tour.
The match against the ASEAN All-Stars team may have ended in defeat, but Kone’s performance provided a glimmer of hope for Manchester United fans. As United in Focus reported, Kone was United’s best player in his 13-minute cameo, and his display will surely have him in line for further minutes under Amorim.
The photo of Sekou Kone in action during the match between Manchester United and ASEAN All Stars at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on May 28, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was taken by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.
Source: United in Focus – Manchester United Talent Grabbed Opportunity vs ASEAN All-Stars with Both Hands, Did Exactly What Ruben Amorim Asked For
