Amorim recognizes that Manchester United could encounter difficulties due to absences during AFCON

Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, has acknowledged that his squad may encounter difficulties when star players Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo go for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this season.

Mbeumo will represent Cameroon, and Diallo will represent Ivory Coast, at the continental competition, which will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. If the host country calls up the Moroccan defender, Noussair Mazraoui, United might also be without him.

Mbeumo has been one of United’s best players this season, scoring four goals in the Premier League—including a brace against Brighton—and dishing out one assist. Working as a wing-back under Amorim’s tactical scheme, Diallo has established a productive relationship with Mbeumo on the right side.

Amorim stated that his team must focus on the upcoming games while preparing for the problems that will inevitably arise, acknowledging the possible impact of their absence.

“We will endure suffering for a while. Amorim stated, “We already knew it would be an opportunity, but we will struggle a little bit.”

“I see individuals that ought to be playing throughout practice, but it’s challenging to make adjustments when others are doing well. Thus, other gamers will be able to assist us.

They understand how we want to play, so if we keep getting better, the personnel change won’t slow us down. But let’s see how these games go with Amad and Bryan playing.

This weekend, Manchester United plays Nottingham Forest, a match that falls on the one-year anniversary of Amorim’s hiring as head coach. The Portuguese tactician reflected on his time at Old Trafford and said the previous year has been both a privilege and a task.

“It was a journey—a big journey,” Amorim thought to himself. There were both good and bad times, and it was incredibly difficult. I acquired a lot of knowledge. I’ve remained loyal to my principles even during trying circumstances.
Now, things are getting better. I wish to remain here for many years because it is one of the greatest honors of my life.

As United gets ready for a rigorous holiday season, Amorim is still focused on developing depth and consistency, which will be put to the test when some of his best players are called away for AFCON duty.