Rúben Amorim faces a challenging period ahead as he prepares to navigate several key absences in his Manchester United squad due to the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON). With critical players such as Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui set to depart for the tournament, Amorim will need to lean on some of his backup options to maintain the team’s current momentum.
After a rocky start, Manchester United has recently turned their season around, collecting four wins in their last six matches and positioning themselves only two points behind second-placed Manchester City. The contributions of summer signings Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo have been vital to this resurgence. Cunha notably scored the first goal of the season against Brighton, displaying growing confidence in his role with the team.
As the squad adapts to the influx of new talent, some former starters have found themselves relegated to the bench. Notably, Joshua Zirkzee has seen his position affected by Šeško’s arrival, forcing Cunha into a more prominent role up front. Amid these changes, Kobbie Mainoo has lost his place in the starting lineup, with Bruno Fernandes stepping into the central midfield position that was once his.
The situation will become even more pressing during AFCON, with key players missing for approximately a month. United’s fixtures during this time include crucial matches against Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Manchester City, followed by a clash with Arsenal just days after the tournament concludes.
The challenge for Amorim will be to ensure that the team continues to perform without these influential players. Without Mbeumo, Fernandes may need to shift to the attacking midfield to replace his goal-scoring threat, leaving Mainoo in line for a return to the starting action. His creativity in midfield will be essential for United, especially if they adopt a more defensive approach with Manuel Ugarte alongside Casemiro.
Mainoo’s performance during this period could be pivotal for his future at the club. If he seizes the opportunity to play regularly during AFCON and impresses, he might solidify his place in the starting lineup even after the return of Amad and Mbeumo. Such a development could complicate Amorim’s decisions about personnel, particularly when balancing the squad’s attacking options.
The next few weeks present a significant challenge for Amorim and his tactical strategy, but it also offers a chance for players like Mainoo to showcase their talents and earn a more permanent spot in the starting XI. It is a crucial moment that could reshape the dynamics within the team as they aim for continued success this season.