AFCON 2025 Calls Could Shake Manchester United’s Frontline

AFCON 2025 Looms Over United

Manchester United are bracing for an upcoming disruption as Africa Cup of Nations 2025 looms, threatening to deprive the club of two of its standout players this season: Bryan Mbiomo and Amad Diallo, who have become essential components of coach Ruben Amorim's attack.

Since Mbiomo joined the club and appeared against Everton in the pre-season, the Cameroonian's performances have drawn early attention. The duo's understanding has grown, becoming the focal point of United's attacking thrust, and their celebration with a dance in front of the Stretford End after beating Brighton was evidence of their chemistry.

AFCON Impact and Scheduling

Their AFCON participation presents a real challenge. The tournament kicks off on December 21 in Morocco, while national teams will begin preparations days earlier, meaning Mbiomo and Diallo will miss several important matches in a crowded schedule.

It's almost certain the Cameroonian Mbiomo will join his country, and so will the Ivorian Diallo, placing Amorim under pressure to maintain the team's attacking balance in their absence.

In the previous edition of the competition, United managed to minimize damage by allowing goalkeeper Andre Onana to depart late, since the tournament coincided with a mid-season break. But this time there will be no break, making the impact greater.

Critical Dates and Possible Lineup Changes

Mbiomo could miss up to three December matches if Cameroon decides to start its camp a week before the opener against Gabon on December 24. Those matches include Bournemouth on December 13, Aston Villa on the 21st, and perhaps others against Newcastle or Wolverhampton, with fixtures to be confirmed by the league.

The final group phase round will be played on December 31, making it very hard for the two players to be ready for United's first game of the new year against Leeds United.

Offensive Core and Alternatives

Amorim relies heavily on the Mbiomo–Diallo partnership. Amad has started eight of ten league games this season and has become the first-choice right winger, while Mbiomo sits top scorer with five goals and has been pivotal to the attack's effectiveness.

Recent winning run followed Amad's return from a family-related absence against Brentford, and since then the pair have delivered a cohesive attacking performance. Their understanding was evident in the Liverpool game when a pass from an Ivory Coast international to Mbiomo allowed an early goal.

Amorim praised the harmony after the Brighton game: "The chemistry between Amad and Bryan is excellent, it's very hard for any defense to stop them as they constantly switch positions and move quickly, winning individual duels."

Limited Alternatives

If the duo are absent, the attacking shape would change significantly. Amorim would have to reshuffle, relying on Mason Mount as right‑winger alongside Matheus Cunha on the left, but this is risky due to Mount's recurring injuries.

The Englishman, 26, has not completed a full match this season, missing Brighton due to physical concerns. The staff now manage him carefully after two seasons with limited playing time.

Other options include Coby Maino, used as an advanced playmaker in some games, though he has yet to start a league match this season, and Joshua Zerkski, a Dutch forward who has not started since April and may be targeted for a move in the summer.

Bruno Fernandes continues to operate in midfield and is not expected to be deployed permanently on the wing.

Arena of the Flanks: An Emerging Crisis

If the duo are absent, the problem could intensify with a possible absence of Moroccan full-back Noussir Mazraoui if he participates with his nation. In that case, Amorim might employ Diogo Dalot on the right and Patrik Dordgo on the left, turning two natural defenders into attackers and reducing offensive effectiveness.

Dalot, despite some criticism, remains trusted by Amorim, who values his versatility and reliability across multiple roles. In recent matches, Dalot has operated on the left to support Mount and Cunha and has delivered a balanced performance in both defense and attack.

Conclusion

United face a delicate balance between protecting the existing attacking chemistry and managing a congested December calendar during AFCON. Amorim will need to weigh risk and reward as the schedule tightens and the risk of further absences grows.

Punchline time: If AFCON steals United’s goals, the club might install a calendar in the first-team dressing room—because apparently, that’s the only thing that can be booked more quickly than their attackers. Punchline 2: In December, the bench gets more sun than some starting elevens; at least the players on the bench know they’re not in trouble for stealing the show, just the minutes.