Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is awaiting urgent clarity on the availability of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui for Monday’s match against Bournemouth, as their mandated AFCON release date coincides with the fixture.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is facing selection uncertainty ahead of Monday night’s crucial fixture against Bournemouth due to the looming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) deadline.
The club is awaiting confirmation on the release dates for three key players: Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui.
FIFA set the official release date for December 15, which coincides directly with the scheduled Premier League match.
The lack of clarity has forced Amorim to prepare multiple tactical plans, though he suggested the ambiguity could benefit United by preventing the opposition from fully preparing.
Addressing the situation, he stated: “We are still in conversations with national teams, the game is Monday, they are training and we are trying to prepare all scenarios.”
He acknowledged the frustration, but added, “It’s frustrating, but at the same time, nobody knows who is going to play, so it’s a good thing.”
Amorim expects a final decision on the trio’s availability by Saturday at the latest, saying, “I expect today or maybe tomorrow to have a decision, but we are waiting until the last moment to choose the best team.”
Despite the potential absences, the manager remains confident, assuring fans: “We have players to cope with everything.”
A victory against the Cherries would be significant, potentially lifting Manchester United as high as fourth place in the Premier League table.