While recruitment for Manchester United’s first team has encountered its challenges, the handling of INEOS’ academy intake has been exemplary.
The club secured the signing of Diego Leon, who made quite an impression during the team’s first pre-season friendly against Leeds. Additionally, Manchester United successfully fended off competition from local rivals Manchester City to acquire Harley Emsden-James from Southampton.
The highly-rated French prodigy Enzo Kana-Biyik was also signed immediately after his contract with Le Havre expired.
Initially, there were indications that Ruben Amorim might utilize the young striker in the pre-season before a decision was made regarding his future.
Enzo Kana-Biyik Joins Lausanne
Shortly after his announcement as a United player, the club opted to loan him out to FC Lausanne Sport, which is owned by INEOS.
The 18-year-old made his unofficial debut in a friendly match, helping his new team secure a 4-2 victory against Swiss second-tier team Etoile Carouge, and has participated in several matches during the club’s pre-season.
However, as reported by Manchester World, the young striker has faced an injury setback during training, which will sideline him for several weeks. Unfortunately, this includes missing the club’s return to European competition after a 15-year hiatus.
Lausanne was set to compete in the Conference League second qualifying round against FK Vardar from North Macedonia, with Enzo Kana-Biyik expected to make his professional debut. However, that will now have to be postponed. The France U18 international is also ruled out of the second leg as well as the league opener against FC Winterthur this weekend.
“United secured Kana-Biyik’s services earlier this month once his contract with Le Havre concluded. Subsequently, the 18-year-old was immediately loaned to INEOS-owned Lausanne Sport in the Swiss Super League.
Injury Setback
“Kana-Biyik debuted for Lausanne-Sport in a 4-2 friendly victory over Etoile Carouge just days after his signing, and he had continued to feature in their pre-season fixtures over the last fortnight.
“He played 60 minutes in a training match against Belgian team RWDM Brussels last weekend. The expectation was that he would take part in the significant Conference League match against FK Vardar on Thursday night.
“Regrettably, it has now been confirmed that the young striker will miss this crucial fixture following an injury during a recent training session. Kana-Biyik is projected to be out for ‘several weeks,’ which will prevent his participation in the second leg in Switzerland next Thursday, as well as their opening match against FC Winterthur this weekend.”
We hope the French starlet can make a swift recovery and continue his development in Switzerland within a competitive environment.
Amorim is in need of additional striker options, and the club is eager for Kana-Biyik to impress and eventually leave his mark on the United first team.
