Manu Koné delivered a commanding display in France's quarter-final victory over Morocco, controlling the midfield with authority and winning plaudits from both critics and teammates. The Roma midfielder was introduced as a starter in the group stage against Iraq before establishing himself as a key figure for Didier Deschamps' side. After Aurélien Tchouameni was injured, Koné returned to the starting lineup for the knockout rounds, including a strong performance against Paraguay in the last-16 before his standout showing in the Morocco match.
Against Morocco, Koné completed 35 of 38 passes for 92% accuracy, delivered one key pass, attempted one shot, recorded six recoveries and won four duels during 71 minutes on the pitch. His display earned widespread French media praise, with suggestions he should start in the semi-final and some naming him man of the match. Teammate Adrien Rabiot praised their partnership after the match, saying: "I and Manu were devastating, we devoured them." Koné reflected on his experience: "It's beautiful to play with Olise, Dembélé, Mbappé and Barcola. Great team, we're happy."
The performances have intensified transfer speculation around the Roma midfielder. After Inter's courtship last summer and Atlético Madrid's rejected offer at the end of the season, Manchester United has reportedly intensified interest. Roma expect Koné to return to training on Monday following his World Cup campaign.
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Manu Koné delivered a dominant midfield performance as France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarter-final to advance to the semi-finals. The AS Roma midfielder was particularly influential during the knockout match, completing 35 of 38 passes for 92% accuracy while recording six recoveries and winning four duels across 71 minutes, according to Il Romanista. His display earned widespread French media praise, with suggestions he should start in the upcoming semi-final. Teammate Adrien Rabiot highlighted their partnership's effectiveness, telling beIN Sports that "I and Manu were devastating, we devoured them," and emphasizing how their midfield control limited Morocco's attacking threat. Koné reflected positively on playing alongside elite French talent, saying it was beautiful to feature with Olise, Dembélé, Mbappé and Barcola. The strong performances have intensified transfer speculation around the Roma midfielder, with Manchester United reportedly joining previous suitors Inter and Atlético Madrid in expressing interest. Roma expect Koné to return to training Monday following his World Cup campaign.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“Dominante. Con un solo termine si può riassumere la prestazione di Manu Koné contro il Marocco. Recuperi, duelli vinti, egemonia fisica e una prova complessivamente di ottimo livello. Perché se la Nazionale di Didier Deschamps surclassa nei quarti di finale il Marocco, offrendo una chiara…”
Read the full article in Italian at Il Romanista.
