Manchester United are heading to Spain today as they prepare to take on Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
The 26-man travelling squad features several exciting academy starlets, underlining the club’s growing trust in youth.
Chido Obi and Sekou Kone are also part of the squad, despite being ineligible to feature in Europe this season.
The Red Devils face a tight turnaround, with a Premier League clash against Brentford looming just 65 hours after the Bilbao showdown.
Manager Ruben Amorim is expected to shuffle his pack significantly on Sunday, keeping one eye on the Europa League second leg scheduled for May 8.
Kone moved to the Red Devils from Malian side Guidars FC last summer.
The 19-year-old is considered one of the most promising midfielders in his age bracket.
The club already view him as a long-term solution in the number six role.
He played a key role in the Premier League 2 play-off victory over Everton.
The starlet played a perfectly-weighted ball to earn an assist for Tyler Fletcher before smashing home United’s fourth goal of the evening.
Kone’s technical ability and tactical maturity mark him out as a high-ceiling talent, though he will need time to fully adjust to the demands of English football.
We believe Amorim could give him a role to play in the second half against the Bees.
For the Mali youth international, even a cameo at Old Trafford would be a proud milestone in his burgeoning career.
While Chido Obi and Harry Amass look set to earn more minutes with the first team, Jaydan Kamason and Bendito Mantato are also in line for potential senior debuts this weekend.
