Manchester United’s nine African football links face uncertain futures

Manchester United sit 13th in the Premier League after seven matches, with Michael Carrick’s squad still searching for consistency. Nine players with links to African football reflect the club’s contrasting problems, from established starters to young players fighting for opportunities.

Mazraoui and Baleba

Noussair Mazraoui, reported to be available this summer, has become a useful squad option for Carrick. The Morocco international has made seven appearances in all competitions, starting three, and returned at half-time against Leeds after recovering from an injury sustained on international duty in early October. Under contract until 2028, he was linked with Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan in late August, although no formal offer is known to have been made and United are not believed to be in a hurry to sell.

Carlos Baleba joined from Brighton for about 75.9m euros to add strength to a midfield focused largely on construction. An ankle injury delayed his start and the Morocco international made his debut as a substitute against Tottenham on 10 October. He was United’s best player against Atletico in his first start and played until the 70th minute at Leeds. The Cameroon international is yet to score and is contracted until 2031, with a one-year option.

Mbeumo and Diallo

Bryan Mbeumo is United’s most productive player this season, with four Premier League goals, although only one has helped secure a victory. Used as a striker or a focal point in attack, the Cameroon international remains an automatic selection for Carrick. Signed from Brentford for 75m euros in summer 2025, he is contracted until 2030, with an option for another year.

Amad Diallo missed the start of the campaign with a pre-season injury and did not play until October. The Ivory Coast international returned against Atletico before starting at Leeds, and has yet to score, although he has provided one Champions League assist. His contract runs until 2030 after being extended in January 2025. A standout performer for United last season, he remains an important player regarded as non-transferable, despite interest from major clubs last summer.

Young players facing competition

Ayden Heaven, developed at Arsenal and eligible for Ghana despite representing England at youth level, has played four matches this season, totalling 261 minutes. His contract lasts until June 2029, with a one-year option, while his progress will be shaped by competition from Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro.

Yoro, the Franco-Ivorian defender, has made seven appearances, including five starts, but has yet to establish himself since moving to England. Despite his difficulties at Old Trafford, Paris St-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea continue to monitor him. His deal runs until June 2029, with a further-year option.

Patrick Dorgu, a Danish international of Nigerian heritage, has six appearances this season – five in the Premier League and one in the Champions League – and two assists. His muscle injury was reported in early October. Now Luke Shaw’s deputy at left-back, the 21-year-old is contracted until 2030, with an option, and his goal against Arsenal in January was named the 2025/26 goal of the season.

Zirkzee and Mainoo

Joshua Zirkzee has only appeared from the bench, making seven substitute appearances and scoring once. He impressed against Tottenham, had little impact at Atletico and scored United’s only goal in last week’s defeat by Como. Contracted until 2029 with an option, the Netherlands international of Nigerian descent could leave in January, although Carrick retains confidence in him and United want to keep him, particularly with Benjamin Sesko’s form uncertain.

Kobbie Mainoo signed a new contract until 2031 on 30 April 2026 after scoring the winner against Liverpool to secure Champions League qualification. The 21-year-old, who has Ghanaian heritage, has made eight appearances this season and supplied one assist. He now faces competition from Tielemans, Santos and Baleba; his contract offers security, but not a guaranteed place.