Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has acknowledged that his side will face a difficult period when Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year. 

The tournament, hosted in Morocco from December to mid-January, will see several Premier League stars miss crucial fixtures during the busy festive schedule.

While United are not among the most heavily affected clubs, the loss of two key attacking players is expected to impact their momentum.

Both players have been instrumental in United’s attacking resurgence this season. 

Mbeumo, who joined from Brentford over the summer, has quickly established himself as one of Amorim’s most reliable forwards, while Amad has continued to impress since returning to the squad. 

United’s recent 4–2 victory over Brighton marked their third straight league win, with Mbeumo scoring twice and Matheus Cunha opening his account for the club. The performance signaled a turnaround in United’s attacking fortunes after last season’s struggles in front of goal.

Speaking ahead of United’s upcoming trip to Nottingham Forest, Amorim admitted that the team will “suffer” during the absence of his African stars but framed the situation as a chance for others to step up. “We are going to struggle a little bit, but it’s going to be an opportunity,” the Portuguese coach said. 

Amorim emphasized that his tactical system will remain consistent despite the personnel changes.

The United boss has made it clear that he views the AFCON period not just as a test, but as a vital stage for squad development, with fringe players expected to prove their worth during the international absences.

The Red Devils face Nottingham Forest on Saturday in their next Premier League fixture, hoping to make it a fourth consecutive wins.

The trip to the City Ground marks United’s final away fixture before facing Tottenham Hotspur in the last league match ahead of the November international break.