Manchester United’s Pre-Season Begins with Shock Defeat, but Sekou Kone Shines Bright
Manchester United’s pre-season campaign got off to a shaky start with a surprise 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia, but 19-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone gave fans something to cheer about.
The match, held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in front of a packed 84,000 crowd, marked the beginning of United’s tour of Asia, which includes stops in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.
The tour is expected to bring in around £8 million—vital revenue that could help the club stay within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability guidelines.
Manager Ruben Amorim took a 32-man squad featuring both seasoned first-team players and standout academy prospects, including Tyler Fletcher, Jim Thwaites, Jack Moorhouse, and Shea Lacey.
However, it was Malian defensive midfielder Sekou Kone who captured the spotlight with a composed and skillful display in his senior debut.
Signed last August for around £1 million plus bonuses, Kone impressed with his vision, control, and poise under pressure.
Though reports suggest he may be loaned out to Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport—another club under INEOS ownership—many United supporters are urging the club to keep him at Old Trafford.
Social media was flooded with praise for the teenager, with fans calling him “a star in the making” and “the midfield answer United have been waiting for.”
Some demanded the club rethink the loan move, citing his potential and immediate impact.
Despite a second-half goal from Myanmar captain Maung Maung Lwin sealing United’s defeat, Kone’s performance was the standout story of the night.
As the tour continues, pressure is mounting for Amorim to keep the young midfielder in the senior setup. Fans believe they may have just witnessed the emergence of a future star.
