Ruben Amorim says Manchester United still do not know whether Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo will be available to face Bournemouth on Monday before they leave for the Africa Cup of Nations.
FIFA announced last week that the release period for the tournament has been shortened by seven days and will now begin on Monday, December 15, 2025.
United play Bournemouth that same day, and Amorim admitted he remains uncertain about the status of the three players who are set to head to the competition in
Morocco.
Mbeumo, a Cameroon winger and United’s leading Premier League scorer this season with six goals, has been in strong form. Diallo, representing Ivory Coast, has also been a regular contributor. Mazraoui, the Morocco defender, has battled injuries but started against West Ham and Wolves.
Amorim said they are still in discussions with the national teams.
The match is on Monday. The players are here, they are training, and the team is preparing for every possible scenario.
Although he described the situation as frustrating, Amorim added that they have enough players to handle whatever happens. With a long week like this, there is a chance to work through different possibilities and prepare the team properly.
Mazraoui is expected to feature for hosts Morocco against Comoros in the AFCON opener on December 21, while Mbeumo and Diallo are scheduled for their first group games three days later.
When asked when he expects a final decision regarding the trio, Amorim said he is not sure yet. It depends on the matches and each national team’s plans for their players. He hopes to get clarity today or tomorrow, but will wait until the last possible moment to select the strongest line-up.
Meanwhile, defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt remain sidelined for the Bournemouth match, but striker Benjamin Sesko may return after being out for five weeks with a knee injury.
United currently sit sixth in the Premier League following their 4–1 victory over Wolves earlier this week.
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