By LIAM MORGAN, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Published: 17:10 EST, 16 December 2025 | Updated: 17:16 EST, 16 December 2025
Manchester United have been left disappointed and frustrated after Morocco refused to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth on Monday.
Daily Mail Sport understands United expected Mazraoui to feature in the clash with the Cherries, which ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw.
Mazraoui has been selected in Morocco's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA said players heading to the tournament should be released seven days before each country's first game.
The release period began on December 15 - the date of the Bournemouth match after it was moved to Monday to be broadcast on Sky Sports.
Sources say United feel they've been unfairly penalised for the match being switched. Had the fixture been scheduled for Saturday, Mazraoui would have been free to play, with Morocco opening their home Africa Cup of Nations against Comoros on December 21.
United pushed for the 28-year-old to remain in Manchester for the game with Bournemouth and escalated the issue to FIFA when Morocco refused.
Man United were left frustrated after Morocco refused to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth
FIFA, however, sided with Morocco in a blow to Ruben Amorim, who deployed young centre backs Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in the absence of Mazraoui.
Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo were given the green light to play in the Premier League match by Ivory Coast and Cameroon, respectively, following talks between the two federations and United. It is understood the club are grateful for their cooperation.
Both will now join up with their national teams and, along with Mazraoui, are set to miss at least the tough trip to Aston Villa on Sunday, the visit of Newcastle to Old Trafford on Boxing Day and the home clash with Wolves on December 30.
Mazraoui, Amad and Mbeumo could be absent for up to three further Premier League matches - and an FA Cup third-round tie at home to Brighton - if their national sides reach the AFCON final on January 18.
Amad and Mbeumo are set to be on opposing sides when Ivory Coast meet Cameroon on December 28.