Manchester United are attempting to stretch the Africa Cup of Nations release rules as they try to keep Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui at the club longer than regulations allow.
AFCON guidelines state that players must be released two weeks before their nation’s first match, which would place United’s trio on course to leave around their Premier League trip to Wolves on 8 December.
Morocco full-back Mazraoui is due for the tournament’s opening game on 21 December, while Amad’s Ivory Coast and Mbeumo’s Cameroon begin on 24 December.
Any deep run to the final on 18 January could force the players to miss up to eight league matches and an FA Cup third-round tie.
Despite the rules, United are pushing to keep the players until after their home match against Bournemouth on 15 December.
Cameroon International Mbeumo is the Red Devils highest goal scorer in the PL with 5 goals. Photo Credit: Getty Images
They also face Aston Villa on 21 December, increasing the pressure on head coach Ruben Amorim to retain as many options as possible.
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United have used this approach before. Two years ago, they held on to goalkeeper Andre Onana until the eve of Cameroon’s opening match, limiting his absence to just one FA Cup fixture.
Mazraoui was born in the Netherlands has represented Morocco at youth and senior international level. He has made more than 30 appearances for the senior national team since making his debut in September 2018. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Amorim confirmed the club is in talks with the national federations.
“We know the rules,” he said, “but we are trying to have the players a bit longer. It is not just in our hands. We will try to arrange something with the federations.”
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The timing coincides with striker Benjamin Sesko’s recovery from a knee injury. Amorim expects him to return as the AFCON call-ups begin, easing the disruption to his attack. Without Sesko, Amad or Mbeumo, United would likely face a major reshuffle.
