The African Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on December 21st, with Cameroon’s opening match against Gabon on Christmas Eve.
Cameroon are placed in Group F and will also face Amad Diallo’s Ivory Coast team and Mozambique. The final tournament will then begin in the new year, with the final scheduled to be held in Rabat on January 18th.
Mbeumo is certain to miss United’s Premier League games against Newcastle and Wolves between Christmas and New Year.
It is also very likely that he will miss the match against Aston Villa as the match will be played on the opening day of the African Cup of Nations.
And depending on how much time Cameroon want to prepare for the tournament, the talented attacker could even miss Bournemouth’s visit to Old Trafford on December 15.
In the new year, United will face Premier League clashes against Leeds (January 3rd), Burnley (January 7th) and Manchester City (January 17th). An FA Cup third round match is also scheduled for the weekend of January 10th.
All four matches will be played before the African Cup of Nations final. Mbeumo could therefore miss up to eight games against the Red Devils if Cameroon make it to the end.
And his absence will be a huge blow, as he was one of the team’s best offensive players throughout the early season.
Mbeumo scored twice in United’s 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday. And he was praised by his manager.
“He’s a working machine. He’s very good in transition. He’s getting better as we form the final third,” Amorim explained.
“We often struggle, but it’s Manchester United. When Manchester United are there and feel that this player wants to come here, no matter what, no matter what position, whether it’s the Champions League or not, we too will do everything in our power to bring these kinds of players[to the club]and that was the case.”
