AFCON 2025 poses major selection headache for Amorim and Man United

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·30 ottobre 2025

AFCON 2025 poses major selection headache for Amorim and Man United

The Portuguese coach braces for key absences ahead of United’s toughest stretch of the season

AFCON 2025 poses major selection headache for Amorim and Man United

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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is concerned about the impact of the absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo on the team when they represent their national teams in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON scheduled to be held in Morocco.

The continental tournament runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 overlapping with several crucial Premier League fixtures including ties against Aston Villa, Newcastle, Wolves, Leeds, Burnley and Man City as well as potential FA Cup 3rd round match.

🚨🚨🎙️| Ruben Amorim on Amad and Bryan Mbeumo going to AFCON: “We have time to suffer with that. We are going to struggle a little bit which we already knew. It is going to be an opportunity because when I watch training there are players that should be playing.”
– giovedì 30 ottobre 2025

Key men set to miss decisive month

Both Mbeumo (Cameroon) & Amad (Ivory Coast) are expected to be called up after featuring heavily for their countries in recent international breaks.

Noussair Mazraoui could also join the Moroccan squad, further reducing United’s options on the right flank.

Mbeumo, signed from Brentford last summer has been one of United’s best performers under Amorim scoring 4 league goal including brace against Brighton and adding one assist.

Amad, meanwhile has built strong chemistry with Mbeumo on the right wing back channel in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system contributing both energy & width.

"We will have time to suffer. We’re going to struggle a little bit but it’s also opportunity. Other players will step up , they understand the way we want to play and that won’t change our momentum" Amorim told reporters before the Nottingham Forest match.