Sekou Kone starts for Manchester United’s Under-21s against Aston Villa on Saturday.. Kone last played for the U21s against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy on November 12, but he picked up a minor injury in that game and was substituted after 40 minutes.. The 18-year-old was hurt after a strong Huddersfield challenge and was subsequently pictured leaving the stadium using crutches and wearing a protective boot on his right foot.. The Manchester Evening News subsequently confirmed the injury wasn’t as bad as initially feared, and Kone will make his return to action in a behind-closed-doors game against Aston Villa in the Premier League 2 at Carrington on Saturday afternoon, which is scheduled to kick-off at 2pm.. The game will not be shown on MUTV due to the Premier League’s broadcasting rules and supporters will be hopeful of seeing more of Kone in the second half of the campaign.. Sources have reiterated patience will be key with Kone. The youngster demonstrated his quality against Huddersfield but there were also clear signs of greenness in his performance.. United are giving him time to adapt and won’t rush his development. Kone signed from Malian club Guidars FC for around £1million in the summer and the intensity and demands of elite football in England are completely different to what he’s been accustomed to in his career.. Kone’s dynamic range of passing was on show against Huddersfield but his influence was reduced as the half progressed, with the youngster struggling physically against senior players.. United have given Kone the opportunity to train with the first-team at Carrington, but he has spent the majority of his time around the U21 group and needs to physically develop.
