Manchester United are heading into one of the most challenging periods of their season as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches.
The Red Devils could be without their three key stars, Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
Mbeumo and Diallo have been in scintillating form this season, tearing teams apart with their electric chemistry down the right flank.
Their link-up play has repeatedly carved open defences, making them one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide duos.
AFCON runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, a period that could seriously test the depth of United’s squad.
Depending on how far their nations go, the United trio could miss five matches or potentially even more.
This places enormous responsibility on manager Ruben Amorim to ensure that the wave of momentum recently building at Old Trafford does not suddenly collapse.
Build the team around defensive steel
The Red Devils have managed just one clean sheet in 11 league games, an alarming statistic that urgently needs addressing.
Altay Bayindir began the season as first-choice goalkeeper but struggled to convince in key moments.
Apart from Lisandro Martinez, Amorim has largely had a fully available defensive unit, which makes their inconsistency at the back even more concerning.
The Portuguese head coach now needs to turn his attention to tightening the structure, knowing two of his best attacking weapons will soon be unavailable.
Matthijs de Ligt has been the standout player for the club this term.
He is also the only outfield player at the club to have completed every minute of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign.
His resurgence has even earned him a place back in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad.
With Mbeumo and Diallo gone, De Ligt may need to step up even further, not only defensively but also as a major threat in attacking set-pieces.
United have surprisingly been one of the best teams in the Premier League.
Their scoring rate of 14.3 goals per 100 corners is the highest in the English top flight in 2025-26.
With a squad full of towering players, United must exploit this strength to the fullest.
De Ligt already showed his value in this area, scoring a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur from a corner routine.
Luke Shaw cleverly blocked Spurs’ markers at the back post, giving De Ligt the perfect runway to power his header home.
Over the coming weeks, Amorim should double down on set-piece preparation, turning them into a reliable weapon during the AFCON period.
Alongside De Ligt, both Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro possess the aerial dominance to wreak havoc inside the opposition box.
Casemiro remains a master of finding space in tight areas and has a proven knack for scoring from set-piece situations.
This should be Amorim’s blueprint during this crucial phase of the season.