Find out everything you need to know to follow Manchester United’s competing trio at the African Cup of Nations, including their fixture schedule, key dates and relevant information.
Manchester United have three players involved in the Africa Cup of Nations this year.
Noussair Mazraoui was first to link up with his Morocco international teammates as they will kick off the tournament with an opening fixture against Jordan.
That meant Ruben Amorim had Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo available for United’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth on Monday night.
It wasn’t a night to remember for Mbeumo as he lacked spark in the final third, while Amad scored his second goal of the season in the first half.
Ruben Amorim has praised Man Utd’s attacking football vs Bournemouth
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Ruben Amorim quote after Bournemouth
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Amorim has had time to prepare for the trio to leave for AFCON, but it will still come as a blow due to their influence on the team. Mbeumo is United’s top scorer, and Amad is one of the team’s most threatening players in attack.
Bryan Mbeumo warming up against Bournemouth
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There is a total of 32 Premier League players destined to take part in the tournament, meaning it causes problems for teams up and down the league table.
Host nation Morocco are the tournament favourites, which means United could be without Mazraoui until the very end of AFCON. They are expected to win their group and would face one of the four third-placed teams in the last 16.
Key dates for Noussair Mazraoui at AFCON
Morocco vs Comoros – Sunday, 21 December (19:00)
Morocco vs Mali – Friday, 26 December (20:00)
Zambia vs Morocco – Monday, 29 December (19:00)
The loss of Mbeumo will come as a concern for fans because he has hit the ground running since moving to Old Trafford, scoring seven goals in 17 matches.
However, it doesn’t help Cameroon’s chances that the camp has been dealing with controversy ahead of AFCON, after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
There is no denying that United would like to see Mbeumo return early from the tournament because he is set to miss out on important fixtures.
Key dates for Bryan Mbeumo at AFCON
Cameroon vs Gabon – Wednesday, 24 December (20:00)
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon – Sunday, 28 December (20:00)
Mozambique vs Cameroon – Wednesday, 31 December (19:00)
That means Mbeumo will take on Amad in the second group game.
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Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring for Manchester United vs Liverpool.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Amad, competing with Ivory Coast, will be eager to reach the knockout stages of the tournament. He will also be a major loss to United for the foreseeable future.
Key dates for Amad Diallo at AFCON
Ivory Coast vs Mozambique – Wednesday, 24 December
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon – Sunday, 28 December
Gabon vs Ivory Coast – Wednesday, 31 December
The best-case scenario for United would be if all three players returned at the start of the New Year rather than progressing to the knockout stages.
That said, the aim for these players will be to go all the way and win the Africa Cup of Nations, as that could help lift a nation.
It would also come as a boost to United if these players could return to Old Trafford with a spring in their step.
Other key AFCON dates
United will be without Amad, Mbeumo and Mazraoui for longer than the group stage if their countries reach the latter stages of AFCON.
The group stage takes place between 21-31 December before the round of 16 begins on 3 January.
Meanwhile, the semi-finals take place on 14 January, just four days before the final.
Dimitar Berbatov sends Sir Alex Ferguson-inspired AFCON warning
Amorim will face a new headache without his African stars.
It starts on Sunday when the Red Devils take on Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Not only will Amorim be without Mazraoui, but the absentee list also includes Amad and Mbeumo as well as Casemiro, following the Brazilian’s suspension.
Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov has warned that United will find it ‘difficult’ without the trio. He also shared an anecdote from his time under Sir Alex Ferguson, who viewed this period as crucial each season.
“It’s always difficult when some of your most talented and bright players, in-shape players, go away,” Berbatov told ESPN.
“The fixtures around Boxing Day are important. I remember Sir Alex Ferguson telling us ‘if we get out of these fixtures in the lead, and stay on top, then we will have more chance to be champions.’
“As long as they produce good results around Boxing Day, they will continue the season on the high.
“But as we saw, United have a tendency to drop points when you don’t expect.
“They look good on paper but United can drop points against almost anyone. I am cautious and hope they will take lessons, and accumulate points.”
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