‘You can’t turn down Man Utd’ - Sekou Kone reveals his reaction when Red Devils made offer to sign him as 18-year-old admits he wants to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps

Kone swapped Malian side Guidars FC for United this summer and since then he has played for the club's under-19 and under-21 sides. The 18-year-old admitted "you don't turn down" the Red Devils if they come calling and that he wants to succeed where other United youngsters, such as Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, have done before him.

He told Africa Foot: “At first, I didn’t expect to sign for Manchester United. When I was presented with the offer, I was on cloud nine. Manchester United are a great club in world football and I can only be delighted with this choice, which will enable me to move up the ladder.

“It’s a demanding club that has won the title 20 times. It’s also a club that knows how to spot good opportunities. They made a big offer for a kid from Mali, despite the fact that I had everything to prove. And to be honest, you can’t turn down Manchester United. I’ve always said to myself that it was a choice of the heart, because I’ve loved Manchester United since I was a kid.

“I understand the concern about my future in the short term, but I’m not worried at all. A lot of youngsters have been launched, like CR7, Rashford and most recently Mainoo, and the new coach is a fan of the beautiful game and loves youngsters too. I just need to work really hard and grab my chance when it comes.”

Kone joined United despite interest from Liverpool and Wolves earlier this year. The Mali teenager will have had an excellent career if he is mentioned in the same breath as Ronaldo and Rashford when it comes to young United gems.

Kone, who has made two appearances for United's under-21 side this season, will be targeting a first-team debut under head coach Ruben Amorim at some point in the not-so-distant future.