The 18-year-old is one of the best youngsters in African football and he has been on the radar of several elite European clubs.

The likes of Salzburg and Dortmund were monitoring him earlier this year, but United have won the race for his signature.

Kone is a defensive midfielder by trade and he has caught the eye with his strong tackling, recoveries and duel winning skills.

He also has the knack for making goal contributions and could be a potential first-team star for United in the coming years.

Kone will initially join with the academy this term as he gets to adapt and settle in Manchester following his move from Mali.

The youngster has become the club's fifth major signing of the summer transfer window and Manuel Ugarte will be the sixth.

Ugarte is expected to be confirmed as a United player tonight.

Related

---