Manchester United are expected to be without Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui during the Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament will take place between December 21, 2025 and January 18, 2026, meaning United could be without the trio during that period, depending on the progress of their respective nations at the tournament.
Diallo is expected to play a key role for Ivory Coast, Mbeumo is Cameroon’s best forward, while Mazraoui is one of hosts nation Morocco’s best players.
21 Dec: Aston Villa (A)
27 Dec: Newcastle United (H)
30 Dec: Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
3 Jan: Leeds United (A)
7 Jan: Burnley (A)
17 Jan: Manchester City (H)
The trio’s absence could significantly impact United, given their key roles in the squad and the number of games scheduled during that period.
Mazraoui’s absence means Diogo Dalot will be the only natural senior right wing-back at manager Ruben Amorim’s disposal.
Diallo, who could have deputised for the Moroccan, will also be at the tournament, representing Ivory Coast.
United’s attack will also be decimated in the absence of the Ivorian, as he is one of the options for the number 10 role.
Mbeumo’s absence further reduces United’s depth in attack. Amorim will have just Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee as his only available senior forwards.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. Their absence could give fringe players such as Zirkzee, Tyrell Malacia, Diego Leon and Kobbie Mainoo more game time and a chance to impress Amorim.
Zirkzee and Mainoo can step into the shoes of Mbeumo and Diallo in attack. Patrick Dorgu could provide cover for Dalot at right wing-back while, Tyrell Malacia or Diego Leon operate at left wing-back.
While Man United will miss Mazraoui, Mbeumo and Diallo during AFCON, Amorim still has several other options to call upon in their absence to keep his side competitive.
