Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim has acknowledged that his side could face a tough spell when the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins later this year, with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo set to miss several weeks of action.
The 2025 AFCON, to be held in Morocco from late December to mid-January, is expected to take away some of the Premier League’s brightest African talents.
Mbeumo is anticipated to feature for Cameroon, while Amad Diallo is likely to earn a spot in the Ivory Coast squad as the reigning champions aim to defend their continental crown.
Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, Amorim admitted that losing the pair will test the squad’s depth and adaptability.
“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,” the Portuguese manager said.
“They are understanding the way we want to play, so if we are improving on that, the change of characteristics is not going to change the idea or the momentum of the team.
“But let’s use Amad and Bryan in these games and we will see in general.”
The upcoming AFCON will once again highlight both the continental pride and the club-level challenges that come with Africa’s premier football tournament
