Man United to miss three key players ahead of Bournemouth match

The fixture between Manchester United and Bournemouth is the final match of Gameweek 16 in the Premier League and the last before African players depart for AFCON 2025. FIFA has officially confirmed today as the release deadline, placing United in a difficult position.

United have three African players in their squad: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco). The club have kept the players’ availability unclear until the last moment, as they continue discussions with the respective national teams in hopes of securing temporary exceptions.

Under Amorim this season, Mazraoui has operated as the right-sided centre-back, Amad Diallo as the right wing-back, and Mbeumo as the right attacking midfielder. Their absence leaves United vulnerable on the right flank, especially due to the lack of a left-footed replacement for Amad Diallo. Combined with the injury absences of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, United could also face significant problems in defence.

Speaking about the situation, Amorim said: "I don't know if it's going to be the same situation (with each player). It depends on the games of every national team. They have their ideas about when they want the players. I expect today to have a decision or maybe tomorrow, but we are waiting until the last moment to (see if we can) have all the players available, to choose the best team to start the game."

Manchester United currently sit eighth in the Premier League table with 25 points. A victory would see Amorim’s side climb to fifth place with 28 points, level with Chelsea in fourth and ahead of Crystal Palace. The match between Manchester United and Bournemouth kicks off at 3:00 AM on 16/12 (GMT+7).

Morocco will play the opening match of AFCON 2025 on 21/12, meaning Mazraoui is expected to report to the national team imminently. Ivory Coast and Cameroon will play their opening fixtures on 25/12(GMT+7).