.png)
Manchester United's AFCON hurdle: The impact of Mazraoui, Amad and Mbeumo's absences
- Fabrizio Tabone
- Dec 11, 2025
- 4 min read
Manchester United are staring down a significant squad challenge in the coming matches with the likes of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo all set to be missing.
The trio will be departing for the Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco, running from 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026, meaning they could miss up to six Premier League games as well as the Emirates FA Cup tie against Brighton, should their nations make it far in the tournament.
United have seemingly attempted to negotiate delayed departures with Morocco, Ivory Coast and Cameroon so that the trio can feature in the match against Bournemouth on Monday, but there is yet to be any news on this regard.
However, even if they do feature in that game, Ruben Amorim will need to make some key decisions when it comes to the line-ups, with all three players being very key to his system.
So, how can United cope with their absences?
Bryan Mbeumo
The biggest issue for Amorim is the absence of Mbeumo, with the Cameroonian being the most successful of all of United's signings so far this season.
Mbeumo is currently United's top scorer with six goals in the Premier League, seven in all competitions, and has been a very consistent performer, being heavily utilised in the right-hand channel.
As a result, United will need to find a way of keeping the goals coming from an avenue that has been crucial for them this campaign.
Without Mbeumo and Amad, United will be left with Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount as their senior, fit attacking options, together with a returning Benjamin Sesko.
Mount has been brilliant so far this season, having offered neat link-up play together with Cunha and Mbeumo, and has arguably been one of United's most consistent players, particularly when starting.
Cunha is still trying to find his feet in a United shirt, but whenever he plays, he is always dangerous. On the other hand, Zirkzee is having a mixed period, as even though he has struggled to get into games, his goal against Crystal Palace is a sign of the quality he possesses.
Until Sesko returns, the attack without Mbeumo will most likely be Mount, Zirkzee and Cunha as a forward three.
However, there is a possible alternative...
Bruno Fernandes could end up being pushed further forward, back to a position that most fans have called for him to feature in. That could essentially give United a touch more quality and end-product in the forward areas, with his creativity being vital to United's season so far.
That could essentially free up a midfield spot, allowing Kobbie Mainoo to also slot in alongside Casemiro to provide a balanced midfield duo. Mainoo's security on the ball, intelligence in tight spaces, as well his ability to progress play through pressure, could allow United's midfield to have a different element to how it usually fares when Fernandes partners Casemiro.
Despite this, Amorim has shown a slight resistance to featuring Mainoo, but that will essentially be tested over the coming weeks, with him pushing for more minutes.
Amad
Another headache for Amorim is the gap that Amad and essentially also Mazraoui's, absences leave at wingback.
As a result, United's only other alternative in that position is Diogo Dalot, who has been showing improved form down the left.
Dalot has looked to go forward and press more over recent weeks, but he lacks the close control and ability to beat a man in tight spaces that Amad possesses. Therefore, deploying the Portuguese wingback there will leave United relatively blunt in their attacking play down the right, and hence they will need their left side to be the very best it can be on the ball.
Patrick Dorgu has not been at his best, but he often has the beating of his marker. The only issue is that his final ball tends to fall short. The Dane will need to improve in that area, or else to allow his left-sided centre-back teammate to come forward, with Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw both being very capable in doing so.
Noussair Mazraoui
Mazraoui's absence will be felt, but at the same time it is probably the least damaging one given United's cover in defence.
The Moroccan offers a different dimension to other players in the back three, being very comfortable on the ball, and has linked up excellently with Amad.
However, there are players who are capable of slotting in there.
Leny Yoro is the most obvious option, with him regularly playing at right centre-back throughout the season. He has had a relatively off couple of weeks, even if he has shown signs of improving. The issue with the Frenchman is that he tends to be indecisive on the ball at times, leading to certain frailties at the back.
United should have Matthijs de Ligt back relatively soon, and his presence at the back will most likely give Yoro more freedom at the back, allowing the young French defender to be neater in his passing, while also having a solid and experienced defender in behind him.
My final take
Manchester United will absolutely feel the absences of Mazraoui, Amad, and Mbeumo — but Ruben Amorim will not abandon his structure or identity.
Instead, he will reinforce it.
His 3-4-3 system has always been designed to remain stable even when personnel changes. As long as the principles hold — aggressive wing-backs, a fluid front three, and a controlling double pivot — United can survive this AFCON stretch and perhaps emerge stronger.
