Manchester United is actively negotiating with national federations to delay the departure of three players—Mbeumo, Mazraoui, and Amad—in anticipation of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco. Manager Ruben Amorim hopes to secure an extension for these players, who are expected to be called up two weeks prior to the tournament’s start.
Efforts to Retain Key Players
United aims to maintain a strong squad for crucial fixtures against Wolves on December 8 and Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 15. Amorim acknowledged the impact of the AFCON tournament, stating, “We are trying to have the players a bit longer but we will see. I think it is two weeks before the start. We will try to arrange something with the federations.”
The coach recognized the significance of these players in the squad, noting, “We already knew [about AFCON], so it is a chance for other players. It is not ideal; they are so important in our squad.” This situation highlights the balance between international obligations and club commitments.
Injury Concerns Complicate Squad Dynamics
Compounding matters for Manchester United is the injury to Sesko, which will prevent him from participating in the upcoming match against Everton. Amorim provided an update during a press conference, clarifying that the knee issue is “not serious,” although the player is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. “He is going to stay a few weeks out,” Amorim said, emphasizing the need for caution with Sesko’s recovery.
The absence of these key players could significantly impact United’s performance during this critical period. As the club navigates the challenges of player availability, the focus remains on securing the best possible outcomes in upcoming matches.
As negotiations with federations continue, Manchester United’s management is balancing the need to honor international commitments while striving to keep their squad competitive in domestic fixtures. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal for the team’s performance as they approach the busy holiday schedule.
