Man Utd fans urge club to change their plans after witnessing ‘a superstar in the making’ during game against ASEAN All-Stars
Man Utd fans urge club to change their plans after witnessing ‘a superstar in the making’ during game against ASEAN All-Stars
He made his first-team debut for Ruben Amorim’s side in Kuala Lumpur.
It was an evening to forget for Ruben Amorim and his Manchester United side as they struggled against the ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia, but fans are taking one positive from the abysmal post-season defeat.
United travelled to the 84,000-capacity Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Wednesday evening for the opening game of their much-talked-about tour.
In total, Ruben Amorim’s side will travel nearly 7,000 miles to take part in a two-game tour of Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong – a decision that will see them earn a reported £8 million amid their fight to avoid Premier League Profit and Sustainability rule breaches.
As well as some first-team regulars, a number of academy graduates were included in Amorim’s 32-man travelling squad, including Tyler Fletcher, Jack Moorhouse, Jim Thwaites, and the highly-rated Shea Lacey.
United struggled in large spells against the ASEAN All-Stars, but one of the youngsters who made an instant impact was Sekou Kone; the 19-year-old Malian defensive midfielder that has been touted for big things at Old Trafford.
Kone, who completed his move to United in August in a deal worth around £1 million plus add-ons, looked comfortable in possession as he made his first senior appearance.
It has been widely reported that Kone would be loaned out to the INEOS-owned FC Lausanne-Sport next season to gain some valuable experience, but some fans want the young midfielder to stay with United’s first-team.
Here’s how supporters on social media reacted to his outing in Kuala Lumpur.
One said: “Sekou Kone is going to be a superstar, get him in the first team,” and another wrote: “Sekou Kone is quality. No idea why we’re loaning him next season, he should be involved with the first team.”
A third commented: “Huge shoutout to the scouting team and respective transfer department who worked together to sign Sekou Kone last summer. I fully expect to see more of these type of deals especially with Vivell in forefront in the near future.”
A fourth said: “Sekou Kone, not surprised by the quality. At all,” and a fifth added: “Sekou Kone is a baller. I’m excited to see him play in the first team more.”
Away from Kone’s performance and United fell to a 1-0 defeat against the ASEAN All-Stars after Myanmar national team captain Maung Maung Lwin scored the winner with 71 minutes played.
Thoughts on United’s performance in their first post-season game? Let us know in the comments.