Amorim confirms that two players from his team will be absent for the upcoming period due to their participation in AFCON 2025. | OneFootball

The Portuguese team will lose two of its most important players in the coming period.

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A significant test of depth awaits Manchester United as they enter a pivotal stretch of their season, with manager Rúben Amorim confirming the temporary loss of three key players to international duty.

Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui have all departed to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leaving a noticeable gap in the squad. This setback arrives at a most inopportune moment, with the club engaged in a fierce battle to climb the Premier League table and secure a coveted spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.

The immediate impact of their absence was felt following a frustrating result at Old Trafford. In a thrilling yet ultimately costly encounter, United were held to a 4-4 draw by Bournemouth on Monday night. While the attack fired impressively, defensive vulnerabilities resurfaced, robbing the team of a vital victory.

The single point leaves the Red Devils in sixth place, now level on points with a resurgent Liverpool side directly below them, amplifying the pressure in the tightly-contested race for European qualification.

In the aftermath, Amorim acknowledged the challenge directly, expressing confidence in the adaptability of his remaining squad. "Amad and Mbeumo will go for the AFCON now. We will try to find a solution with the players that we have. We are ready to cope," the manager stated.

He further hinted at tactical adjustments to compensate for the lost firepower, adding, "We will try to find a way to score the goals in a different way." The coming weeks will reveal just how effectively United can navigate this demanding period without their AFCON contingents.