Manchester United could be without six players for Monday night’s game against Bournemouth as manager Ruben Amorim awaits a decision on the availability of three of his AFCON stars.
Manchester United could be without up to six players for Monday night’s home game against Bournemouth. The Red Devils are keeping the availability of Nousair Mazraoui, Amad and Brian Mbeumo a secret ahead of their departure for the Africa Cup of Nations.
FIFA has set a release date of Monday, December 15 (today) for all clubs to release players for the tournament, which starts in Morocco on Sunday. However, this created a predicament for United as their game against the Cherries was scheduled just five days before the start of the tournament.
United officials are in talks with the football federations of Cameroon, Morocco and Ivory Coast for all three players in a bid to secure contract extensions. The extension will allow him to play against Bournemouth before departing for the tournament.
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United head coach Ruben Amorim expressed uncertainty over the trio’s availability for the game when asked for an update on the situation in Friday’s pre-match press conference.
The former Sporting CP manager confessed his dissatisfaction with the situation just three days before the match. Defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also out injured, while striker Benjamin Sesco has returned to first-team training following a knee injury, but is doubtful he will be able to play due to food poisoning.
When asked about the availability of United players on Friday, Amorim revealed that some decisions could be made at the last minute. He said: “Maguire is out, De Ligt is out as well. Ben (Sesco) will have to wait and see.”
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“We’ll have to see if he’s available. He had (food) poisoning, but we’ll see. Let’s wait.”
“You still have two training sessions left. The other two are out, Benjamin, and we’re going to evaluate them.”
Amorim then detailed De Ligt’s injury, which saw him miss the draw against West Ham and Monday night’s win over Wolves.
“I think he has something on his back, but I don’t know for sure,” he continued. “He came off a really good game against Crystal Palace so you might think it’s not a major injury, but he’s got some pain.
“Sometimes you think it’ll clear up this week, but sometimes he’s in a little bit of pain, so that’s a little tricky.”
Regarding the players heading to AFCON, he added: “We expect a decision to be made today (Friday) or maybe tomorrow, but we are waiting until the last moment when everyone is available to select the best team to start the game.”
Manchester United vs Bournemouth predicted team;
Goalkeeper: Senne Ramens, Altay Bayundur
Defenders: Lenny Yolo, Luke Shaw, Aiden Haven, Diogo Dalot, Nouser Mazraoui, Patrick Dorg, Tyrell Malasia.
Midfielders: Amad, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Koby Mainu
Forwards: Brian Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee, Shea Lacy
