Man Utd want to delay trio’s Afcon departure

MANCHESTER, November 21, 2025 – Manchester United has a big problem. They are trying to delay the departure of three key players to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The players are Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui.

The Deadline Problem
Tournament rules are strict. Clubs must release players two weeks before their country’s first match.

When they should leave: This means the trio should leave around December 8. They would miss the game against Wolves.

The Match They Want to Keep Them For: United wants them to stay until after the game against Bournemouth on December 15.

How long they might be gone: If their teams reach the final (January 18), the players could miss eight Premier League games and one FA Cup tie.

Why Man Utd Needs Them

All three players are important right now.

Manager Ruben Amorim says the club is talking to the national federations. He wants to keep the players a little longer.

“We have the rules… but we are trying to have the players a bit longer,” Amorim said. “It is not just in our hands. We will see.”

Sesko’s Injury Adds Pressure
The situation is urgent because star striker Benjamin Sesko is also hurt.

Sesko’s Status: Sesko has a knee injury and will be out for “a few weeks.”

The Clash: Manager Amorim expects Sesko to return just as Mbeumo and Diallo leave for AFCON.

The Risk: If United loses Sesko, Mbeumo, and Diallo at the same time, they must rely on young players like Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo.

Therefore, even keeping the AFCON players for one extra game could be a huge help to the team.