Man Utd deliver Sekou Kone update after young star's head injury sees match abandoned

Manchester United have confirmed that Sekou Kone is "conscious, stable and communicating" after his serious head injury led to their National League Cup game at Tamworth being abandoned before half-time.

The U21 side were playing at the Lamb Ground on Wednesday night but Kone suffered a serious injury following a clash of heads with an opponent in his own box. It led to Kone receiving treatment on the pitch for around 15 minutes.

The 19-year-old, who is a Mali youth international, had to be taken off on a stretcher with a mask placed on his face. An announcement later came that the match had been called off.

The game was initially suspended before it was abandoned completely. Reports suggested that the teams were originally waiting for a replacement ambulance to arrive at the stadium before a restart could take place.

United though issued a positive update as they said in a statement: "We can confirm Sekou is conscious, stable and communicating with United’s medical team. He has been taken to hospital, as a precaution, for further checks. Everybody at the club wishes him a speedy recovery."

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A statement on Tamworth’s social media account said: “Due to the medical situation, we are forced to abandon tonight’s fixture, details will be revealed in due course. We would like to wish safe travels to all the Man United fans, staff and players. We especially wish Sékou Koné a speedy recovery.”

Kone, who joined from Malian club Guidars FC for around £1million a year ago, was part of the United squad that travelled to the United States this summer for their pre-season tour.

The teenager was joined by goalkeepers Dermot Mee and Will Murdock, defenders Tyler Fredricson and Ayden Heaven, midfielders Toby Collyer and Jack Fletcher, and forwards Bendito Mantato, Chido Obi and Ethan Williams.

The young midfielder has yet to feature in a competitive fixture for the United senior side but came on as a substitute against ASEAN All Stars and Hong Kong.

Kone has been named on the bench byRuben Amorim in the past - including in the Premier League against Tottenham in February and after that against Everton. United are though to be interested in securing a loan for the youngster to further his development.

United get their Premier League season underway this Sunday against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

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