Mbeumo has proven to be a smart piece of business over the summer as his creativity continues to positively impact this United side.placeholder image
Mbeumo has proven to be a smart piece of business over the summer as his creativity continues to positively impact this United side. | Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are set to miss up to seven Manchester United games due to AFCON, which begins later in December.
It will be a big loss for Amorim, as Mbeumo has arguably been the best player this season for United, and Diallo has made the wing-back role his own. The United boss will need to make some tough line-up decisions to replace the pair. But, they could have them for longer than initially feared.
New FIFA deadline hands AFCON boost to Man United
Initially, Man United were expected to see the likes of Diallo and Mbeumo leave before the 15th of December, but the Red Devils will now potentially have the pair for their game against Bournemouth, which takes place on the 15th.
The deadline to release players for their international games is a week later than initially expected, meaning that United will keep their players for their game against Wolves on Monday night, and potentially Bournemouth on the 15th.
The official date is that clubs have to release their players on the 15th, it is not clear yet whether United will be able to keep Mbeumo and Diallo for the Bournemouth game.
Ruben Amorim has said they are working to keep them for as long as possible. The United boss was quoted in the Mirror last week: “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."
Which games could Mbeumo and Diallo miss?
Including the Bournemouth game, the United pair could be unavailable for a total of seven matches, depending on how well their teams do in the competition and how far they go.
The games they will miss include very tough games against Aston Villa and Newcastle over Christmas, which could be an issue for Amorim. However, after that, United face the three teams currently in the bottom three in a row. Firstly, Wolves on December 30, then Leeds on January 4, and then Burnley on January 7.
Following those three ‘easier’ games, Man United could miss the duo for just one more, but it is a big one. The Manchester derby takes place on January 17, so the United fans will hope that both Mbeumo and Diallo will be back before then, as it will be a very tough derby day at Old Trafford against City.
The seven games Mbeumo, Diallo and Mazraoui could miss due to AFCON:
Man United vs Bournemouth - Monday 15 December
Aston Villa vs Man United - Sunday 21 December
Man United vs Newcastle United - Friday 26 December
Man United vs Wolves - Tuesday 30 December
Leeds United vs Man United - Sunday 4 January
Burnley vs Man United - Wednesday 7 January
Man United vs Man City - Saturday 17 January
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