Manchester United duo Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui were in Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final action on Friday night.
The Africa Cup of Nations has been responsible for leaving Manchester United without three players since mid-December.
Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui have all represented their countries at AFCON over the past month. Still, United fans will be relieved to hear that the final takes place next Sunday.
It remains to be seen if there will be any United players involved in the final, but Darren Fletcher or whoever takes charge of the United first team for the remainder of the season will be eager to get the full squad together as soon as possible.
Imagine you are Bryan Mbeumo, what is your reaction returning to Man Utd and seeing Ruben Amorim has been sacked?
Mbeumo graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
United are currently seventh in the Premier League, with an FA Cup clash against Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Red Devils will be without their AFCON trio for the third-round tie.
However, there is good news because at least one of those three players will be back in time for the derby against Man City next week.
Bryan Mbeumo pressures Noussair Mazraoui for ball during AFCON quarter-final.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo hails Noussair Mazraoui after AFCON elimination
Mbeumo’s AFCON journey is over following Cameroon’s exit from the tournament.
More United News
In the quarter-finals on Friday night, Cameroon suffered a 2-0 defeat against host nation Morocco, who are among the favourites to win AFCON outright.
The result means Mbeumo will return to United ahead of the Manchester derby, but Mazraoui will be taking part in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Mbeumo sent a classy message to United teammate Mazraoui, wishing him the best for the rest of the tournament.
“Of course, I have a very good relationship with Nouss [Mazraoui],” Mbeumo said, as per Le360.
“I obviously wish him the very best. He had a very good match tonight.”
HOW much are Manchester United missing Noussair Mazraoui right now?🇲🇦
He's having a great AFCON so far…
Getty Images.
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
It wasn’t one of Mbeumo’s best performances but it is worth stressing that Morocco were the dominant side throughout the game and deserved their victory.
Mbeumo played the entire match and created just two chances, although Cameroon were unable to strike back at Morocco.
Meanwhile, Mazraoui was solid at right back, completing five defensive contributions. Cameroon couldn’t get in behind the former Ajax and Bayern Munich defender, making it a difficult night for Mbeumo.
The biggest positive to come from this is that Mbeumo should be back training with United and available for selection by next week.
When could Amad Diallo return to Man Utd?
Amad is another player United are missing at the moment.
The Ivory Coast is among the top scorers at AFCON, and he will be aiming to add to his tally of three goals in their quarter-final against Egypt on Saturday.
That means there is a chance that Amad could get knocked out of AFCON today, meaning he could be joining Mbeumo back in Manchester in the coming days.
If the Ivory Coast reach next Sunday’s final, United will have made wait longer for their tricky wide man to return to the team.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox