AFCON 2025 set to test Amorim’s United

Manchester United coach Rúben Amorim admitted that his team will have to cope without their African stars in December, when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco. The Red Devils currently have Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Bryan Mbeumo on their roster.

The trio are expected to leave for AFCON 2025 in December, meaning they will miss six Premier League matches and one FA Cup tie. The Portuguese coach stated that while the players are performing well, the club may face difficulties during that period.

“We have time to suffer with that. We are going to struggle a little bit. But we already knew. It is going to be an opportunity because when I watch the training sessions, there are players who should be playing, but it is hard to take some players out of the team because others are doing well, both in training and in matches,” said Amorim.

Ivorian winger Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are regulars, while Morocco’s Mazraoui has recently been sidelined by injury. Cameroon forward Mbeumo has been outstanding for United, who are currently on a three-match Premier League winning streak.

AFCON often coincides with European league schedules, forcing clubs to cope without their African players during a crucial mid-season period. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) previously moved the tournament to the summer months but faced heavy criticism for the decision.