Manchester United are rebuilding their midfield this season, or the heart of that midfield to be precise. Surely, they have changed the defense too, with the purchase of Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs De Ligt, but Kobbie Mainoo/Casemiro duo will soon get a proper competition. Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain is the top target for coach Erik ten Hag, and the Red Devils are close to agreeing the price with the French champions. The current sum is around 60 million euros, but Manchester wants to bring the price down. And while that potential transfer is sorting out, another one has already finished. After three Africans (Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui and Hannibal), Manchester United just got the fourth (and the youngest) – Sekou Kone.To gauge how compatible a potential midfield pairing of Sékou Koné and Kobbie Mainoo could be, refer to Mali’s performances at the under-17 World Cup last year. Manchester United’s new man Koné and his midfield partner Hamidou Makalou stole the show, as their stellar… pic.twitter.com/uUemB42xr9— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) August 22, 2024 According to reports, the Red Devils agreed to sign the young Malian from Guidars FC, leapfrogging Liverpool and RB Salzburg in the process. The Under 17 Mali defensive midfielder is seen as a future first-team player and even though he will be initially in Manchester‘s youth team, he is projected as a long-term option along with the youngster Kobbie Mainoo. For now, Kone will be in the youth setup, mainly in order to adapt to England, but is later expected to participate in the first-team activities.Manchester United nearing deal for midfielder PSG values at €60 MillionThe teenager made the most interceptions (48) at the tournament and also won the most defensive duels (47), leading to a highlights compilation going viral. He was developed by the JMG academy, an esteemed set-up that has produced several top-level midfielders from its campus in Bamako, Mali’s capital. Both Yves Bissouma and Cheick Doucoure took their first steps in the talent factory and Kone could well be the next one. Many clubs, including Liverpool were after him, and maybe the best chance to sign him had RB Salzburg, considering that they have the best conditions for developing young talents outside the Top 5 European leagues. But, their former executive Christopher Vivell is United’s new recruitment guru and his input proved a decisive one. United wants to sign as many young talents as possible and Kone is the step two, after the step one, which was the signing of former Arsenal academy ace Chido Obi-Martin,just 16.PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY 2Saturday14:30: (2.60) Brighton (3.40) Man.Utd. (2.70)17:00: (1.85) Fulham (3.50) Leicester (4.40)17:00: (1.48) Tottenham (4.40) Everton (6.75)17:00: (2.25) Crystal Palace (3.50) West Ham (3.35)17:00: (1.10) Man.City (13.0) Ipswich (25.0)17:00: (2.55) Southampton (3.30) Nott.Forest (2.80)19:30: (4.60) Aston Villa (3.60) Arsenal (1.80)Sunday 16:00: (4.70) Wolverhampton (3.70) Chelsea (1.85)16:00: (3.20) Bournemouth (3.60) Newcastle (2.30)18:30: (1.25) Liverpool (6.50) Brentford (10.0)***odds are subject to change***
