EPL: Amorim Admits Man United Will Struggle During AFCON Absences

Story: written by Peterson, October 31,2025
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that his side will face challenges when several key players depart to represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this season.

The AFCON tournament is scheduled to begin on December 21, 2025, with the final set for January 18, 2026.

United stars Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo will feature for Cameroon and Ivory Coast, respectively, while Noussair Mazraoui could also be unavailable as he is expected to join the Morocco national team.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, Amorim admitted that the temporary departures will affect the team’s rhythm and performance.

“We know it’s coming — we’ll suffer a bit when AFCON starts,” Amorim said.
“It’s going to be a difficult period, but also a chance for other players to step up. There are players in training who deserve more minutes, and this will be their opportunity.”

The Portuguese coach, however, emphasized that the club intends to make full use of Mbeumo and Diallo before they leave for international duty in December.

“Let’s use Amad and Bryan well in the games before January,” he added. “Then we’ll see how to adapt when they’re away.”