Amorim Using AFCON For New Opportunities

Ruben Amorim Makes AFCON Admission. Photo: Gallo Images

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has reportedly admitted that the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could be a blessing for his team.

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The Red Devils have looked a far better side this season than the team that finished 15th in the 2024/25 season.

Amorim’s men appear to have adjusted to his tactics, and the addition of new signings such as goalkeeper Senne Lammens and forward Bryan Mbeumo has invigorated the team.

However, the latter is one of three players, along with Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, who will depart for the AFCON this week.

Ahead of their clash against Bournemouth on Monday evening, Amorim revealed there was a slim chance that the trio could feature against the Cherries.

“We are still in conversation with national teams,” Amorim told the club website. “The game is Monday, they are here, they are training, and we are trying to prepare all the scenarios to prepare the game,” the 40-year-old added.

With the tournament running from 21 December to 18 January, the trio could miss up to seven games across the Premier League and FA Cup, depending on how their respective countries fare at AFCON.

Amorim said the tournament would provide a chance for his team to try different tactics, Tribuna reported.

“That is a good opportunity to do that because we cannot think that we are going to play the same way without Amad, Bryan and Nous [Mazraoui].”

“But especially Amad and Bryan, because of the characteristics that are really hard to get.  They have more or less the same characteristics, both of them, and we are losing them for a few games. But it’s a good opportunity for us to try and play differently,” the Portuguese said.

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The Old Trafford side has a chance to go to 28 points after 16 games, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea. 

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