Ruben Amorim is navigating a tricky situation at Manchester United as he waits to find out whether Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui will be available for Monday’s game against Bournemouth.
The uncertainty comes amid ongoing discussions with the players’ national teams about their release for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
FIFA Rules Give Clubs Some Breathing Room
FIFA regulations allow clubs to retain players until one week before their national teams’ opening matches.
For Mbeumo and Diallo, this means they could technically stay with United until December 17, since Cameroon and Ivory Coast do not play until Christmas Eve. Mazraoui’s situation is a bit tighter, as Morocco kicks off the tournament on December 21.
He is expected to join his national squad on Sunday, meaning he could miss the Bournemouth fixture the following day.
Negotiations Ongoing, Amorim Stays Hopeful
Amorim remains in talks with all three football federations, taking inspiration from a similar arrangement United struck two years ago with Cameroon to delay goalkeeper Andre Onana’s departure.
“We are still in conversation with the national teams,” Amorim said. “The game is just Monday.
They are here, they are training, and we are trying to prepare for every scenario.
It’s frustrating, but nobody knows who will play, and that’s something we can work with. We have the squad depth to handle any situation.
“I don’t know if it will be the same with each player. It depends on the national teams’ plans. I expect to have a decision today or tomorrow.
We are waiting until the last moment to make sure all players are available so we can pick the best starting eleven.”
Injury Concerns for Maguire, De Ligt, and Sesko
In other squad news, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are ruled out for Bournemouth.
Striker Benjamin Sesko, meanwhile, could make his return after a knee injury suffered against Tottenham five weeks ago, though his fitness is still being assessed.
“Maguire is out, De Ligt is out,” Amorim confirmed. “Ben we have to see.
He had some food poisoning, so we will monitor him over the next two training sessions.
“De Ligt has some back discomfort. It doesn’t seem serious—he finished the Crystal Palace game—but we have to be careful.
Sometimes the pain subsides, sometimes it doesn’t, so we’ll manage it carefully.”
Looking Ahead to Monday
With the Africa Cup of Nations affecting squad availability and injuries limiting options, Amorim has a week to fine-tune his preparations.
United fans will have to wait until the final team announcement to see who will line up against Bournemouth, but the manager is confident he can adapt to any challenge that comes his way.
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