Manchester United are set for eight huge fixtures ahead, as Ruben Amorim will have to find a way to deal without three key players while the Africa Cup of Nations is ongoing.
Ruben Amorim Manager of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United
Ruben Amorim has some big games coming up as he loses three Manchester United players to AFCON
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Ruben Amorim faces a tough few weeks ahead, as he must find solutions to the absence of some key Manchester United stars due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The continental competition kicks off in the next week, as players from around the world leave their club duties to join up with their national teams.
Three stars from United have been called up for the competition, as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui are set to play for Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, and Morocco, respectively.
It still remains uncertain whether all three players will be available for Man United's clash with Bournemouth on Monday night, with it being the official release date for players at their clubs.
Amorim revealed that the club were still in talks with the national teams about the possibility of the trio featuring for the side on Monday, with the changed fixture schedule causing some problems over their availability.
"I don't know if it's going to be the same situation," the manager said on AFCON exits. "It depends on the games, and every national team has an idea of when they want their players. I expect to know today."
Whether they feature against Bournemouth or not, United will definitely miss the trio after Monday night, bringing about some questions as to how the team will cope in their absence.
There are some tough games coming up as well, as they always tend to be in the Premier League, with the run likely to test the manager's ability to be adaptable to the situation in front of him.
Manchester United fixtures during AFCON
Bournemouth (H) - December 15 - Premier League
Aston Villa (A) - December 21 - Premier League
Newcastle (H) - December 26 - Premier League
Wolves (H) - December 30 - Premier League
Leeds (A) - January 4 - Premier League
Burnley (A) - January 7 - Premier League
Brighton (H) - January 11 - FA Cup
Man City (H) - January 17 - Premier League
The upcoming run of games for Manchester United look tough at times, especially if all three of their key stars are away on international duty during AFCON.
Games against Aston Villa and Newcastle provide a test, while Wolves and Burnley could be exactly what Amorim needs during a tricky period.
Rivalries are renewed against Leeds and Manchester City, which won't be easy without some of the side's quality options, while the FA Cup remains the only route to a trophy this season, meaning the Brighton game will be important.
In all, it's a spell that includes some difficult ties for the side, with no guarantee that all of their players will be back at the club and ready to go in time for them.
Fortunately, the very latest that the trio should be back is against rivals Arsenal in late January, meaning the side should be back to full strength.
Their returns all depend on how far their respective national teams get in the competition, as they fight hard to get all the way to the final to lift the trophy.