Manchester United are stepping up their preparations for the trip to Turkey. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
Youngster Sekou Kone trained with the Manchester United first-team squad on Tuesday ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Turkey.
The 18-year-old midfielder joined United from Guidars FC for a fee in the region of £1million on transfer deadline day. He is considered a player with a very promising future and United insiders have high hopes he can make the grade at Old Trafford.
Kone is yet to make his debut for the club’s Under-21s after essentially having his own pre-season programme since arriving at the club. He missed a lot of his former club’s pre-season preparations while the transfer process unfolded.
The Mali youth international, however, featured in training at Carrington with the rest of the first-team on Tuesday, as they stepped up their preparations for their clash with Jose Mourinho’s side.
Below, MEN Sport has picked out four things, in addition to Kone’s involvement, that we spotted during the session.
Malacia features again
Just as he has in recent weeks, Tyrell Malacia was once again involved in the session, offering encouragement that his return from a long-term knee injury may not be all that far away. He has not played for United since May 2023. He was spotted doing some ball work during Tuesday’s session, donning a smile on his face. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
Youngsters audition
Europa League rules mean that Erik ten Hag is allowed to name up to 12 substitutes on the bench, meaning there is additional room for those on the fringes of the first-team squad to try and force their way into the matchday squad. Amid mounting injuries issues and Bruno Fernandes’ suspension, spaces are likely to be available against Fenerbahce. On Tuesday, Habeeb Ogunneye, Harry Amass, Sam Mather, Ethan Ennis, Amir Ibragimov, Ruben Curley (pictured), Sekou Kone and Ethan Wheatley (pictured) were among those spotted participating in the session. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
Van Nistelrooy in good spirits
No doubt buoyed by Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford, the United players and members of the coaching staff appeared to be in good spirits on Tuesday afternoon, with plenty of smiles on show. Assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy looked particularly relaxed, offering a smile and the thumbs up for the cameras. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
De Ligt involved
Matthijs de Ligt showed terrific resilience and commitment to soldier on in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford after suffering a nasty head injury. He collided with the knee of Brentford forward Kevin Schade in the first half and was forced to leave the pitch twice to receive medical attention. He does not appear to have suffered any lasting effects, training as normal on Tuesday. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
