Man Utd Pushes for AFCON Delay as Festive Fixtures Loom

Manchester United Targets Late AFCON Release for Key Players

Manchester United is making a determined push to delay the departures of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), aiming to keep their stars for a crucial run of festive fixtures. This strategic move comes as the Red Devils face a packed December schedule with six vital Premier League matches, putting the squad’s depth and resilience to the test.

Manchester United’s AFCON Dilemma: Mbeumo, Amad, and Mazraoui Set to Miss Key Games

With the AFCON tournament set to kick off on December 21, Manchester United risks losing Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad (Ivory Coast), and Mazraoui (Morocco) for a significant portion of their domestic campaign. Mazraoui is anticipated to start for hosts Morocco against Comoros on the opening day, while Mbeumo and Amad are expected to represent their countries in their respective first matches on December 24.

Tournament rules stipulate that clubs must release players two weeks ahead of their nations’ opening matches, potentially sidelining the trio as early as December 8 for United’s clash with Wolves. With the AFCON final scheduled for January 18, United could be without these key figures for up to eight league games and an FA Cup third-round tie.

United Appeal to Federations for Extended Player Availability

Head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Manchester United will open discussions with the Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Morocco federations. The aim is to retain Mbeumo, Amad, and Mazraoui until at least after their home fixture against Bournemouth on December 15.

“We have the rules for when we have to release the players, but we are trying to have them a bit longer,” Amorim explained ahead of United’s next Premier League match. “It is not just in our hands. We will see. We will try to arrange something with the federations.”

Historically, United succeeded in delaying Andre Onana’s release for the 2023 AFCON, keeping him until the eve of Cameroon’s first game and limiting his absence to one match. The club hopes for a similar arrangement this season.

Festive Fixture Congestion Intensifies Need for AFCON Delay

The Red Devils face a challenging December, beginning with a home match against West Ham on the fourth, followed by key encounters against Wolves, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and a return fixture with Wolves. Each match could have significant implications for United’s ambitions, especially as they look to build on a five-game unbeaten run that lifted them to seventh in the Premier League table.

Mbeumo and Amad’s Form Underlines Their Importance

Mbeumo has played a pivotal role in United’s resurgence, netting four goals in recent outings against Liverpool, Brighton, and Tottenham. Amad Diallo has also contributed, scoring in a crucial 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in early November. Their potential absences, along with Mazraoui’s defensive prowess, would be a significant blow during this critical spell.

Amorim Demands High Intensity Ahead of Everton Clash

Ahead of the return to domestic action against Everton, Amorim called on his squad to maintain intensity and focus, emphasizing the importance of starting strong and maintaining momentum. “Everybody is fine and ready to go. Now it’s about changing the mindset—to forget about the national teams and focus on our league. We need to start at 100 miles an hour,” he said.

Speaking about the atmosphere at Carrington, Amorim highlighted the positive energy following United’s unbeaten run but urged his players not to get complacent. “It’s by winning games that we build this spirit. Old Trafford will be in full voice, and we must match that with our effort and football.”

Looking Ahead: United’s Strategy for Squad Depth

Maintaining squad depth during the AFCON period will be crucial for Manchester United as they aim to sustain their momentum. If negotiations with the federations are successful, keeping Mbeumo, Amad, and Mazraoui for even a single extra match could prove decisive in the season’s outcome.

For more news on Manchester United’s strategies and Premier League updates, visit for more news.

Opinion: United’s Approach Reflects Smart Squad Management

Manchester United’s efforts to negotiate delayed releases for their AFCON-bound stars is a smart move that underlines the importance of squad planning during congested periods. With the club’s ambitions riding on maintaining form through December and January, every game counts. If they can replicate their past success in negotiating player availability, it could make the difference between a strong finish and a disappointing campaign.