Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo has arguably been one of the Reds' best players this season since arriving from Brentford
Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo will be leaving for AFCON next month
Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo will be leaving for AFCON next month
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Few new signings at Manchester United have had the same immediate impact as Bryan Mbeumo in recent history. Brentford's talisman arrived at Old Trafford keen to pick up where he left off and has managed to do just that with six goals in 12 appearances.
After the brace against Brighton and Hove Albion, Mbeumo refused to limit himself to a target of 20 goals which he achieved last season and who could blame him? He has hit the ground running and the sky should be the limit for the 26-year-old.
However, what could temper his momentum is the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This winter, Mbeumo will join up with his Cameroon teammates for the continental competition. AFCON has proven to be a problem for Premier League clubs for many years now. While no manager wants to stand in the way of their player representing their nation on the biggest stage, the timing of the tournament means it will impact domestic clubs, particularly United who will not only lose Mbeumo but also Amad and Noussair Mazraoui.
That is why Ruben Amorim spoke about his desire to keep Mbeumo and Co for longer than the usual cut off period. He said: "We have the rules, when we have to release the players, so we will see.
"We are doing our job to try and maintain the players a little bit longer, but it is not just in our hands. We need to respect that, but we will try to do everything to protect the club, protect the players and protect the national team.
"I think it is two weeks before the start [they have to leave]. So, we will try to arrange something with the federations, but we need to respect their rules in this case."
Ultimately Amorim is right. The issue is firmly out of his hands considering Cameroon and the other federations hold all the cards. Thankfully for Amorim, Cameroon have already shown they are willing to grant his wish. Ahead of the last AFCON, Erik ten Hag managed to delay Andre Onana's exit to the tournament until the day before it began.
This meant Onana only missed the victory over Newport County in the FA Cup and was able to retain his place in the Premier League upon his return. Onana was expected with his national team two weeks before the tournament.
But Cameroon were willing to be flexible although their reasoning will be a warning to the Reds. It is believed the African nation were understanding because Onana had retired from international football when he was initially signed by United.
The keeper reversed his decision as Onana's relationship with the Cameroon federation was repaired and, as such, United's request was granted as they pitied the predicament Ten Hag found himself in. This is not the same for Mbeumo. Whatever happens, Mbeumo will be missed for however games he is absent.