Manchester United is actively working to postpone the departure of key players Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Manager Ruben Amorim is keen to retain their services for as long as possible due to the tournament’s timing, which could see them miss crucial league and cup fixtures.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester United aims to delay the AFCON departures of Mbeumo, Diallo, and Mazraoui.
- Tournament regulations require player release two weeks before the first match.
- The club hopes to keep players until at least after their December 15th fixture.
- Manager Ruben Amorim is in talks with national federations.
- Potential absences could impact team selection, especially with other injuries.
AFCON Departure Regulations
Under current tournament regulations, clubs are obligated to release players for the Africa Cup of Nations two weeks prior to their nation’s opening game. For Manchester United, this deadline falls around their Premier League match against Wolves on December 8th. With Morocco playing their first game on December 21st and Cameroon and Ivory Coast on December 24th, the trio could potentially miss up to eight league matches and an FA Cup third-round tie.
United’s Strategy and Precedent
Manchester United is attempting to negotiate with the respective national federations to allow Mbeumo, Diallo, and Mazraoui to remain with the club until at least after their fixture against Bournemouth on December 15th. This strategy is not without precedent; the club successfully retained goalkeeper Andre Onana until the eve of Cameroon’s first match in the previous AFCON, limiting his absence to a single FA Cup tie.
Manager’s Comments and Squad Concerns
Manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the ongoing discussions, stating, "We have the rules for when we have to release the players, but we are trying to have them a bit longer. It is not just in our hands. We will see. We will try to arrange something with the federations." The potential absence of these key players, coupled with Benjamin Sesko’s knee injury, could force significant reshuffling in United’s attack, potentially increasing the reliance on players like Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo.
Sources
- Man Utd: Ruben Amorim wants to delay Afcon departure of Mbeumo, Diallo & Mazraoui, BBC.
- Man Utd plot Andre Onana success repeat as Ruben Amorim explains plan to bend AFCON rules, The Mirror.
- Man United set for dream scenario with huge Ruben Amorim boost amid AFCON concerns, Manchester Evening News.
- Manchester United seek delay to AFCON departures amid selection concerns, OneFootball.