Softfootball understands that Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has confirmed that Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will now leave the club to join their national teams for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Both players featured in Manchester United’s chaotic 4–4 draw with Bournemouth, which proved to be their final appearance before heading off to AFCON duty.
Amad will link up with the Ivory Coast, while Mbeumo joins Cameroon as the tournament gets underway in Morocco.
Speaking after the game, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Amorim admitted the situation isn’t ideal but said the squad has to deal with it.
He said:
Rúben Amorim: Amad and Mbeumo will go for the AFCON now. We will try to find a solution with the players that we have. We are ready to cope. We will try to find a way to score the goals in a different way.
Noussair Mazraoui will also be absent, although he didn’t play against Bournemouth. The Moroccan defender had already been released earlier because of AFCON commitments.
As hosts, Morocco begin their campaign on December 21 against Comoros. Ivory Coast and Cameroon both kick off on December 24, facing Mozambique and Gabon.
There was some uncertainty before the Bournemouth match about who would be available. In the end, only Amad and Mbeumo were allowed to feature, with Mazraoui already gone.
Amorim hasn’t hidden his frustration with the timing, especially as FIFA’s mandatory release date fell right on matchday, making preparations awkward and rushed.
United are expected to be without all three players for at least three Premier League games. Amorim said it’s difficult but also part of the job, whether managers like it or not.
Mbeumo has been a big presence since arriving in the summer, scoring seven goals and adding one assist across competitions, including scoring in the club’s last 4-1 victory against Wolves.
Amad has offered energy and width from wing-back, while Mazraoui has quietly helped stabilise the back line when fit.
Two years ago, United managed to delay André Onana’s AFCON release. This time, they pushed again but only got partial flexibility. United now have to move on and adjust.
