Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is preparing for a significant squad disruption as three of his key players depart for the Africa Cup of Nations this winter, potentially leaving gaps in his starting lineup for up to a month.
The AFCON Exodus
The tournament, scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18, will see numerous Premier League stars represent their nations. For United, this means potentially losing Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui – players whose combined transfer value exceeds £121 million.
Amorim confirmed he's attempting to keep the departing players for as long as possible before the tournament begins. "It is a circumstance that we already knew, but it is an opportunity for other players," the United manager stated. "We also have the Under-21s and we need to also send a message in that time, so we will see."
Academy Solutions Emerge
With a relatively short squad, Amorim has turned to Manchester United's famed youth system for solutions. The Portuguese manager emphasized that "our Academy is for this moment, and we will be ready" to cope with the temporary absences.
Shea Lacey: The Mbeumo Replacement
Eighteen-year-old Shea Lacey appears poised to fill the void left by £71 million winger Bryan Mbeumo. The talented teenager has already represented England at multiple youth levels and regularly features for United's U21s despite his young age.
Lacey offers similar attributes to Mbeumo with his speed, flair, and technical ability on the right wing. Though lacking the physical presence of the Cameroonian international, Lacey compensates with nimble footwork and a reputation as a set-piece specialist at academy level.
Bendito Mantato: Cover for Amad
Another 18-year-old prospect, Bendito Mantato, could step in for £32.5 million forward Amad. The Manchester-born talent has been with United since age nine and recently demonstrated his clutch potential by scoring a last-minute winner against Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup.
Mantato's versatility makes him particularly valuable – he can operate as either a forward or full-back, fitting perfectly into Amorim's system that utilizes attacking wing-backs. Like Amad, he possesses excellent dribbling skills and explosive pace down the flank.
Jaydan Kamason: Mazraoui's Stand-in
To replace £17.6 million defender Noussair Mazraoui, Amorim may turn to Jaydan Kamason. The full-back made history as the first graduate from United's Emerging Talent Programme to earn a professional contract.
Former U18 coach Adam Lawrence described Kamason as preferring to "get forward and affect the game higher up the pitch" – qualities that align perfectly with Amorim's tactical requirements. His ability to deliver quality crosses could particularly benefit strikers Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.
Opportunity in Adversity
While losing three crucial players during the busy festive period presents challenges, it also creates a significant opportunity for United's next generation. The coming weeks could provide these academy products with their chance to demonstrate they belong at the highest level.
Amorim's willingness to trust youth during this period reflects both the club's tradition of promoting from within and the practical realities of managing a squad through international tournaments. How these young talents perform could shape United's approach to the January transfer window and beyond.
