Summer signing Sekou Kone could have to wait for his maiden Manchester United appearance until after Saturday’s mini derby.

United Under 21s host City at the club’s Carrington training complex but club sources do not expect Kone to be involved.

Kone, 18, joined United from Guidars FC for around £1million on transfer deadline day and is not considered an academy recruit.

The defensive midfielder has started training with the under 21s and is expected to make his first club appearance for the second string this calendar year.

United Under 21s have not played for three weeks but they take on Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.

Kone was scouted by United’s future talent team at the Under 17 World Cup last November. Multiple staff members watched him throughout the tournament and identified Kone as a player of significant interest to monitor.

A United scout attended an under 18 tournament in Morocco in April and filed a recommendation to sign Kone. Club sources have highlighted Kone’s technical composure and quality with both feet, his ball manipulation when under pressure, his physical ability to press with intensity and his mentality.

United are taking a patient approach as Kone develops physically and adjusts to life in England.