Ruben Amorim is set to lose three star players from his Manchester United squad as a result of the Africa Cup of Nations, but he may have a number of up and coming talents in his reserve to utilise
Ruben Amorim walks
Ruben Amorim is set to lose a number of Manchester United players for AFCON
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Ruben Amorim has turned to the club's youth system for answers, as several Manchester United stars prepare to jet off for the Africa Cup of Nations. AFCON gets underway on December 21 and continues until January 18.
Numerous high-profile Premier League stars will be departing their clubs to represent their countries as a result. For Amorim, this could mean losing the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui - all crucial players - for potentially a full month.
The United manager is reportedly attempting to retain them at the club for as long as feasible before the tournament commences. When star players exit the squad, it opens the door for others to demonstrate their abilities, and for Amorim, his focus is on the academy, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He said: "It is a circumstance that we already knew, but it is an opportunity for other players. We also have the Under-21s and we need to also send a message in that time, so we will see. But of course, it is not ideal because they [Amad, Mazraoui and Mbeumo] are so important in our team and we don't have a long squad. But our Academy is for this moment, and we will be ready."
With this in consideration, Mirror Football looks at a number of academy prospects who could step in for the departing AFCON stars across the festive period.
Shea Lacey - Bryan Mbeumo
At the tender age of 18, Lacey has already demonstrated his football prowess both for United's academy teams and on the international stage. He has donned the England jersey at U15, U16, U17 and most recently U20 level.
Shea Lacey looks on during a match
Shea Lacey could make a perfect temporary replacement for Bryan Mbeumo(Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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For United, he made his U18 debut at a mere 15 years old and now regularly graces the pitch for the U21s. In terms of stepping into a £71million Mbeumo's shoes, the youngster offers speed and flair down the right wing.
Lacey also has the ability to transition into an attacking midfield role, a trait that will undoubtedly delight Amorim. While he may not have Mbeumo's physicality, Lacey compensates with his nimbleness and technical skills, effortlessly breezing past defenders. He's also earned a reputation as a free-kick maestro at academy level.
Bendito Mantato - Amad
Mantato has been part of the United family since he was just nine years old. Now 18, he has proven his mettle in high-pressure situations, including scoring a last-gasp winner to defeat Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup quarterfinals earlier this year.
Born and bred in Manchester, Mantato can operate as either a forward or full-back. This adaptability fits perfectly into Amorim's strategy, which employs a back three and two offensive-minded full-backs who surge forward during counter-attacks.
Bendito Mantato looks on
Bendito Mantato has impressed for club and country at youth(Image: Simon Holmes - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
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Much like £32.5m star Amad, Mantato is a skilled dribbler with blistering pace down the flank. These qualities, coupled with his versatility, make him a prime contender to fill the void left by Amad's temporary departure.
Jaydan Kamason - Noussair Mazraoui
Kamason became the first player from United's Emerging Talent Programme to secure a professional deal. Former U18 lead coach Adam Lawrence told The Athletic his position is "predominantly as a full-back, but he likes to get forward and can affect the game higher up the pitch."
Jaydan Kamason runs with the ball
Jaydan Kamason has impressed in his budding career(Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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This perfectly matches the type of full-back Amorim depends upon. Kamason possesses the ability to surge forward, skip past opponents and whip in threatening deliveries - qualities that would suit Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha perfectly.
He has also demonstrated his capability to cope with the physical demands of defending whilst switching seamlessly between defensive and attacking phases, and could make the perfect replacement for a £17.6m Mazraoui.
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