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Why Is Amad Diallo Not Playing Tonight for Manchester United vs Aston Villa?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 10:19 AM ET

Manchester United will play their toughest opponent in weeks in the Premier League as they take on an in-form Aston Villa side away from home.

Aston Villa is currently on a nine-game winning streak across all competitions and is third in the Premier League after 16 league matches played. Villa's Premier League record so far is 10 wins, three draws, and three losses.

Manchester United is 7th in the Premier League with 26 points after 16 league matches, boasting a record of seven wins, five draws, and four losses.

In their previous match, Manchester United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

One of Manchester United's best performers in the match and throughout the season is Amad Diallo, but the 23-year-old star will not be playing today against Aston Villa.

Amad Diallo of Manchester United beats Adrien Truffert and Alex Jimenez of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 15, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Diallo scored Manchester United's opener against Bournemouth last week with a header inside the box. Diallo played the whole game against Bournemouth, but he won't play today and for the next few games in the Premier League.

Why is Amad Diallo not playing against Aston Villa?

Amad Diallo is not injured, but he is not included in the Manchester United squad vs Aston Villa because he is on international duty with the Ivory Coast national team.

Today, December 21, 2025, marks the start of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, and the Ivory Coast is the defending champion. Amad Diallo was called up for the national team and will play in the tournament.

Amad Diallo and the Ivory Coast are in Group F in the AFCON with Mozambique, Gabon, and Cameroon. Their first match is against Mozambique on December 24, 2025.

Diallo isn't the only Manchester United player to miss the game today due to the AFCON. Bryan Mbeumo (with Cameroon) and Noussair Mazraoui (with Morocco) will also play in the AFCON and miss the match today against Aston Villa.

The AFCON tournament runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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