Manchester United transfer news as Ruben Amorim is set to fall victim to the Africa Cup of Nations this season
07:46, 24 Jul 2025Updated 07:47, 24 Jul 2025
Man United duo Amad and Bryan Mbeumo will be unavailable at the Christmas period(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim will face an unwanted scenario during the 2025/26 season which will leave him without four key players.
Amorim is preparing for his first full season at the club after a disappointing end to the last one. Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Bryan Mbeumo have all been brought in and further additions are anticipated.
There is hope that a new centre-forward will be signed before the Premier League campaign gets underway against Arsenal on August 17. After missing out on Ollie Watkins and Viktor Gyokeres, different alternatives are being considered.
However, United know they will go into the new season with the reality of being without four key players during the hectic Christmas schedule. Starting on December 20 against Aston Villa, the Reds play three times in a week against Newcastle, Wolves and Leeds.
They then travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley before their FA Cup journey begins in the third round. The busy winter schedule then ends on January 17 against Manchester City.
This season, the timing of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) means Amorim is likely to be without Mbeumo, Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad during the tournament. All four are key players for their national teams and will compete to become the best team in Africa in December.
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Cameroon
Starting on 21 December and ending until January 18, United are guaranteed to be without the quadruple until the start of 2026, at the very least. The group stage ends on December 31 meaning they will miss the Villa, Newcastle and Wolves games, as well as the Bournemouth game on December 13 to allow for preparation.
Last 16 ties take place between January 3 to January 6 with the quarter finals scheduled for January 9 and 10. Should Cameroon, Morocco or Ivory Coast reach the final, they won’t return to England until after January 18.
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