AFCON uncertainty causes further Manchester United frustrations

Manchester United are preparing to go a month without three of their key players with the Africa Cup of Nations closing in.

Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui have all been called up to their national sides, set to impact The Red Devils.

Diallo is joining Ivory Coast in their title defence, whilst Mazraoui joins hosts Morocco.

For Mbeumo, the Cameroon national side is facing uncertainty with dispute between the Cameroon Football Federation and Ministry of Sport.

The dispute centres around whether Marc Brys is still the manager of the national side with FecaFoot attempting to replace him with David Pagou.

However, this isn’t the only uncertainty affecting Mbeumo, as his official release to the national team is still up in the air.

Ruben Amorim has explained in is pre-match press conference that he’s unsure if the trio will be available for the Bournemouth clash.

All three are set to be released on 15th December to join their national sides for AFCON preparations, a week later than the original 8th December deadline.

However, with United facing Bournemouth on 15th December, it’s yet to be confirmed if they can travel after the game.

Explaining the situation, Amorim commented: “We are still in conversation with national teams.”

He continued: “The game is Monday, they are here, they are training and we are trying to prepare for all the scenarios for the game.

“It’s frustrating but at the same time nobody knows who is going to play.

“We have players to cope with everything and in a long week you can work to prepare for a situation.

“I don’t know if it’s going to be the same situation, it depends on the games.

“Every national team has their ideas about when they want the players.

“I expect (a decision) today or maybe tomorrow. But we are waiting until the last moment to choose the best team to start the game.”

With all three leaving Old Trafford for up to a month during a congested festive period for United, Amorim is having to rely on his back-up options.

As such Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are expected to play a bigger part for Amorim than they have been, failing to get much match time this season.