First loans are notoriously challenging for young players. They depart the security of their parent club for the first time and can frequently find themselves struggling in the most demanding professional environment they have faced. A Manchester United loanee revealed to the Manchester Evening News that the academy can resemble a "bubble". That bubble can pop when they venture out on loan for the first time, something Sekou Kone is currently experiencing.

In the winter window, Kone was loaned to FC Lausanne-Sport for the rest of the season, with United commenting on the arrangement: "Kone will benefit from potential involvement in the UEFA Conference League." A few days after Kone's temporary transfer was announced, he was excluded from Lausanne's squad for the Conference League.

Although he still accompanied the team when they travelled to the Czech Republic. "We want him to integrate into the group," stressed Lausanne manager Peter Zeidler.

Lausanne exited at the play-off stage of the competition, so Kone didn't miss out on much, but it wasn't an endorsement for the youngster, whose spell in Switzerland hasn't progressed as United had hoped thus far.

Kone impressed...