Manchester United will suffer without Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo during AFCON 2025 – Ruben Amorim

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that his team could face a difficult stretch later this season when key players Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo leave to represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Mbeumo is set to play for Cameroon, while Diallo will join the Ivory Coast squad.

United may also be without defender Noussair Mazraoui if he receives a call-up from host nation Morocco.

Mbeumo has been one of United’s most consistent performers this season, scoring four goals in the Premier League, including a brace against Brighton, and providing one assist. Diallo has complemented him well on the right flank, operating as a wing-back in Amorim’s tactical setup.

Speaking about the looming absences, Amorim admitted that the team will need to adapt. He said the situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity, noting that other players in the squad are ready to step up.

“We will have time to suffer. We are going to struggle a little bit, but we already knew it’s going to be an opportunity,” Amorim said. “When I watch training, there are players that should be playing, but it’s hard to make changes when others are performing well. So, other players will have the opportunity to help us.”

He added that the squad is beginning to grasp his tactical vision, and if the team continues to improve, the change in personnel may not disrupt their momentum.