Manchester United hijacked Ajax’s deal for Sekou Kone reveals Fabrizio Romano | OneFootball

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim demands intensity from all his players and midfield is one area in serious need of a revamp.

Both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro do not look like they are the best fits for what the Portuguese is trying to build and he is slowly phasing both of them out.

The Dane has started only twice since Amorim took charge while the Brazilian has not made it off the bench for the last four Premier League games with a January exit possible for both.

Amorim has already demanded two midfielders from INEOS in the winter and if the new co-owners cannot get someone over the line, the solution could come from within the club.

Academy recruitment

Since INEOS took control of sporting affairs, the club have forsaken their policy of signing big-name players in favour of trying to unearth the next gem as seen from their deals for Leny Yoro in the first team.

Academy recruitment has also got a shot in the arm under the new owners as seen from deals for Chido Obi and highly-rated midfielder Sekou Kone in the summer.

The Malian was a surprise acquisition from Guidars FC and now, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils had to stave off competition from Ajax for the 18-year-old.

The Dutch giants had almost agreed a deal only for the 20-time English league champions to arrive late to the scene and act decisively to win the race. There was also interest from an unnamed Bundesliga outfit.

“Manchester United hijacked Ajax’s deal for Sekou Kone to bring the young midfielder to Old Trafford in the summer,” Romano told GIVEMESPORT.

“Sources who want to remain secret to protect their relationships guarantee that Ajax almost had a deal in place for Kone only for Man Utd to arrive on the scene late and match their offer, before convincing the youngster to head to England instead.”

United hijacked Ajax’s deal for Kone

Romano also added that earlier, United would usually dilly-dally with transfer negotiations but that is no longer the case under INEOS.

Kone is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also play further forward and caught everyone’s attention with his performances in the U17 World Cup where Mali finished third.

He had trained with the first team back when Erik ten Hag was in charge and he has also been registered in United’s Premier League squad.

The Mali U17 international is currently injured and this break is helping him acclimatise to his new surroundings with United happy with his development.

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