Ruben Amorim Faces Selection Crisis as Manchester United Battle to Keep AFCON-Bound Players
Manchester United are entering a complicated period as the club prepares to lose several key players to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
FIFA regulations require clubs to release players two weeks before their nation’s opening match, creating a challenging situation for United manager Ruben Amorim as he navigates a demanding Premier League schedule.
Under the current rule, Bryan Mbeumo is due to leave Manchester on 12 December, even though Cameroon do not play their first group-stage match until 24 December against Gabon.
This gap has prompted Amorim to suggest that United may attempt to negotiate a brief extension so the players can remain available for additional fixtures.
🔍 Amorim Hints United Will Try to Keep Players Longer
Speaking ahead of United’s clash with Everton, Amorim acknowledged the club’s difficult position.
“There are rules regarding when players must be released, so we’ll see what happens,”
Amorim said.
“We are trying to keep them with us for as long as possible. But not everything is under our control. We must respect the regulations while also protecting the club, the players, and their national teams.”
His comments reflect the delicate balance between honoring international commitments and maintaining squad stability during one of the most grueling phases of the season.
🌍 More Players Affected: Diallo and Mazraoui Also Set for AFCON Duty
Mbeumo is not the only United player set to miss key fixtures.
-
Amad Diallo has been called up by Ivory Coast
-
Noussair Mazraoui will represent host nation Morocco
All three are still available for United’s upcoming match against West Ham on Thursday.
However, they are guaranteed absentees for the fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 8 December, the point at which their national teams expect them to join camp.
United face eight Premier League matches between now and the AFCON final on 18 January, making the timing especially problematic.
The uncertainty surrounding their availability leaves Amorim unsure how long each player can be retained before international duty officially calls.
⚔️ A Brutal Fixture List Makes the Situation Worse
The fixture congestion amplifies the problem.
During this stretch, United are scheduled to face several high-intensity matchups, including:
-
Bournemouth
-
Aston Villa
-
Newcastle United
-
Manchester City
Losing multiple first-team players—even temporarily—could significantly impact United’s momentum and results during the busiest part of the season.
🔥 United Finally Stabilizing Under Amorim
What makes the situation even more frustrating for the club is that United have recently found some rhythm.
After a run of inconsistent results earlier in the season, Amorim has guided the team to five consecutive matches without defeat, easing pressure on his position and offering renewed optimism.
Before United’s victory over Crystal Palace, Amorim spoke to TNT Sports about his first full year in charge.
“You’re never truly prepared for everything,” he admitted.
“You come in with a vision, but once you’re inside, you understand that managing Manchester United is something else entirely.”
He added:
“This club is enormous. Even compared to other big clubs I’ve worked at or faced, everything here feels far more intense.”
His words highlight the magnitude of the challenge ahead—not just tactically, but also in managing squad depth, expectations, and unforeseen disruptions like AFCON call-ups.
Conclusion: United Brace for a Difficult December as AFCON Looms
With crucial players set to leave earlier than expected, Manchester United are bracing for a turbulent period.
Amorim must now juggle:
-
Strict FIFA release rules
-
A packed Premier League schedule
-
The club’s need for stability
-
The players’ obligation to their countries
Whether United can negotiate delayed departures—or whether they must cope with significant absences—could play a major role in shaping their season.
ALSO READ :
