Manchester United Express Concerns Over Sekou Kone's Development After European Snub
Manchester United are reportedly harbouring significant concerns regarding the development of young midfielder Sekou Kone, following his exclusion from Lausanne-Sport's UEFA Conference League squad. The 20-year-old, who joined the Swiss club on loan in January, has been dealt a major blow for the second half of the season after failing to make the European roster.
Late Transfer U-Turn and Squad Omission Raise Alarm Bells
According to reports from The Daily Mail, United's worries stem from a combination of factors. The loan deal itself was initially scheduled for the summer but underwent a late U-turn, bringing Kone to Lausanne in the winter window. United's official announcement at the time highlighted that "Kone will also benefit from potential involvement in the UEFA Conference League," making his omission particularly disappointing.
Lausanne-Sport were permitted to register a maximum of three new players after the January transfer window but chose not to include Kone in their UEFA squad. This decision limits his competitive opportunities and has sparked internal discussions at Old Trafford about the midfielder's progression.
Injury History and Limited Game Time Compound Problems
Kone's situation is further complicated by his recent injury history and limited playing time since arriving in Switzerland:
- He sustained a fractured eye socket in August while playing for United's Under-21s against Tamworth, sidelining him until November.
- This injury prevented him from featuring in any of United's first-team squads during the first half of the season.
- Since joining Lausanne, Kone has made just one appearance as a late substitute in a 5-1 defeat to FC Thun.
- He has been an unused substitute in other Swiss Super League matches, raising questions about his integration into the squad.
Contrasting Fortunes for United Loanee at Same Club
In stark contrast to Kone's predicament, fellow Manchester United loanee Enzo Kana-Biyik has been named in Lausanne's Conference League squad. The 19-year-old forward, who joined from Le Harve last summer, recently provided an assist in a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina and is set to feature in upcoming play-off matches.
This disparity highlights the uneven development paths for United's young talents abroad and underscores why club officials are monitoring Kone's situation closely. With the midfielder's loan scheduled to conclude at the end of the campaign, United will be evaluating whether the arrangement has provided the intended developmental benefits.
The coming months will be crucial for Kone as he seeks to overcome this setback and demonstrate his potential to Manchester United's coaching staff ahead of next season.
