Bryan Mbeumo will play alongside Carlos Baleba during the AFCON, but Man Utd will have one eye on Amad as he plays alongside a ‘generational’ talent who has been tipped for Old Trafford.
It is no secret that international duty is a time for players to tap up their teammates to join them at the club level, and Man Utd have benefited from it recently.
Andre Onana played a key role in convincing his Cameroonian teammate Bryan Mbeumo to join him at Old Trafford, never mind that the goalkeeper left the club soon after.
Mbeumo will now play alongside Carlos Baleba at AFCON, but with Baleba’s struggles in the league, United might be more interested in the player Amad will line up alongside.
Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) looks on during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipizig and Werder Bremen at Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany on November 23, 2025
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Amad will line up alongside Yan Diomande
Amad and Mbeumo will be the biggest misses during AFCON for Man Utd, but if things go to plan, they might come back to United with not one, but two transfer targets impressed.
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Baleba remains on United’s radar, but Amad will form a partnership on the wing with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, who has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season.
Diomande has been called up to the Ivory Coast squad for AFCON, and he will probably start on the left with Amad on the right to complete a fearsome duo.
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Diomande signed from Leganes at the start of this season but is already attracting interest from European elites, being termed a ‘generational’ talent, comparable with Erling Haaland in terms of potential.
Amad will be in his ear throughout the tournament, and if he can put in some good words for United that gives them an edge next summer, it would do very nicely.
It worked well with Mbeumo, and it could work again with Diomande.
Diomande will fulfill Ruben Amorim and the club’s vision
There has been some discomfort of late about Amorim’s demands going against the club’s vision, as he continues to shape the squad to suit his formation and style.
It threatens to leave the club handcuffed and in need of another rebuild if and when he leaves, which is why Yan Diomande is such a smart signing.
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As a right-footed left-winger with a good work-rate, he is the type of player Amorim wants for the left wing-back slot.
At the same time, his natural position is on the wing further forward, so a back-four manager has a straightforward role for him.
At just 19, he fits Ineos’ philosophy of snapping up high-potential players who are already making an impact at the senior level as well.
Amad, do your thing!
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