Manchester United are hoping to get the team’s absent stars back as soon as possible.
Ruben Amorim‘s Manchester United somehow sit in sixth place in the Premier League table despite inconsistent form.
It makes you wonder where we might be if not for injuries and absences.
In addition to fitness problems, United are missing three key players at the African Cup of Nations; Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad.
If there is one crumb of comfort, it’s that the tournament is now into the knockout stages, with Cameroon and Morocco both playing their last 16 ties.
And with that, provided an opportunity for two of United’s stars to be sent home.
What do YOU think of Ruben Amorim’s latest comments? Is there trouble behind the scenes?
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the head coach.
“I know my name is not Conte, Tuchel, Mourinho but I’m the manager of Manchester United. It’s going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decide to change.
“I’m not going to quit. I’ll do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me.
Ruben Amorim
Morocco and Cameroon results
Morocco are the hosts of the current AFCON and are among the favourites to go on and win it, potentially prolonging Noussair Mazraoui’s absence.
They played their first knockout game, narrowly defeating Tanzania in the Last 16.
Mazraoui played 76 minutes, starring at left-back, with Achraf Hakimi on the right.
And in their match, Cameroon came out on top against South Africa, winning the game 2-1.
Mbeumo did not score, but played all 90 minutes in the victory.
It’s bad news for United that both players’ involvement at the AFCON continues – but there is an interesting twist.
The victories set up a quarter-final showdown between Morocco and Cameroon to be played on January 9.
Just five days away, it means one of Mbeumo or Mazraoui will be heading home to Manchester United within the week.
And while next Sunday’s FA Cup game with Brighton will come as too tight a turnaround – it does mean they would be likely to play on January 17th vs Manchester City.
Who do Man Utd need back more? Bryan Mbeumo or Noussair Mazraoui
The two will go head to head in the AFCON quarter-finals
Amad latest
The third Manchester United player at the tournament is yet to play his last 16 game.
Amad’s Ivory Coast will take on Burkina Faso in two days time. They would then face a quarter-final against the winner of Egypt and Benin.
Mount and Fernandes boost coming
Speaking after Manchester United’s draw with Leeds, Ruben Amorim explained that he expects to have Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount back shortly.
He was quoted via club media: “I expect to have some minutes of maybe Bruno [Fernandes] and Mason Mount, maybe. So, we’ll see.”
The cavalry is coming. Not quickly enough, but it is on the way.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
