Manchester United manager Rubén Amorim has conceded that the club is set to “struggle” when key forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Amad depart to represent their nations at the Africa Cup of Nations later this year.
According to Express reporting, the Portuguese coach admitted that the temporary loss of the duo—who have been instrumental in United’s recent success, including a combined goal contribution against Liverpool—will be a significant blow.
Mbeumo is scheduled to play for Cameroon, while Amad will represent Ivory Coast during the tournament, which runs from December 21 to January 18.
Speaking at Carrington, Amorim acknowledged the difficulty ahead but framed the situation as a chance for other squad members.
”We will have time to suffer,” the manager joked, before adding, “We are going to struggle a little bit, but we already knew it’s going to be an opportunity.”
Amorim expressed high praise for Mbeumo, who joined from Brentford in the summer, calling him “a working machine. He’s so good in transitions. He’s improving when we are organising the final third.”
He also lauded the connection between the departing players: “The connection with Amad is really hard to beat these two guys because they change positions. They are really fast, they are good in one against one.”
While admitting the difficulty of rotating a successful team, Amorim stressed that the absence will provide a needed platform for others: “When I watch the training, there are players that should be playing. So other players are going to have the opportunity to help us.”