Manchester United make Sekou Kone plan after midfielder's injury scare

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Sekou Kone's injury is not serious and he could return to a pitch in a matter of weeks for Manchester United.

Kone made his first start for the academy in the Under-21s' game against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy last week but limped off the pitch with an injury after 40 minutes. The 18-year-old was hurt after a strong Huddersfield challenge and was subsequently pictured leaving the stadium using crutches and wearing a protective boot on his right foot.

That prompted fears among fans that Kone might have sustained a serious problem, but his injury is not thought to be a major issue and he is expected to return in a matter of weeks, not months, although the club will continue to handle him carefully as he settles in Manchester.

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Sources have reiterated patience will be key with Kone. The youngster demonstrated his quality against Huddersfield but there were also clear signs of greenness in his performance.

United will give the 18-year-old time to adapt to his new surroundings and won't rush him. Kone signed from Malian club Guidars FC for around £1million in the summer and the intensity and demands of elite football in England are completely different to what he's been accustomed to in his career.

Kone's dynamic range of passing was on show against Huddersfield but his influence was reduced as the half progressed, with the youngster struggling physically against senior players. United have given Kone the opportunity to train with the first-team at Carrington but he has spent the majority of his time around the U21 group and needs to physically develop.

Kone was first scouted by United in November at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia. Multiple staff members from United watched him throughout that tournament as Mali beat Argentina to claim a third-place finish, and they identified a player of significant interest to follow.

Another United scout then attended an Under-18 tournament in Morocco in April where Kone was one of the players of the tournament. It's understood the recommendation to sign Kone came after this tournament and there was communication between the club's scouting team in order to make the deal happen.

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