Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is confronting a significant selection headache as the Africa Cup of Nations approaches, with three key players set to depart and two more facing imminent suspension.
AFCON Departures Loom for United Trio
The Red Devils will soon lose Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui to international duty, with each player expected to be selected for their respective national teams in the upcoming tournament. This triple blow comes at a challenging time for United, who currently sit tenth in the Premier League table and have gone more than a month without a victory.
Suspension Threat for Casemiro and Dorgu
Compounding Amorim's problems, both Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu are walking a disciplinary tightrope. Each player has accumulated four yellow cards and faces a one-match ban if they receive another booking in any of United's next seven Premier League fixtures.
The situation presents a tactical dilemma for the United boss ahead of Sunday's difficult trip to Crystal Palace. Selhurst Park hosts an in-form Palace side sitting fifth in the table and undefeated in their last three matches, while United's form has dipped dramatically.
Casemiro has already experienced suspension this season after being sent off in United's 2-1 victory over Chelsea back in September. The Brazilian midfielder's potential absence would be particularly concerning given his influential role in the team.
Gallagher Emerges as Casemiro Replacement
Meanwhile, transfer speculation continues to swirl around Old Trafford regarding Casemiro's long-term future. Although the club holds an option to extend his contract by an additional year beyond next summer, Conor Gallagher has emerged as the preferred replacement should the Brazilian depart.
According to reports from Spanish outlet AS, United are leading the chase for the Atletico Madrid midfielder. Despite being virtually indispensable during his debut season under Diego Simeone, the 25-year-old has seen his playing time reduced this campaign, starting just five matches across all competitions.
Atletico secured Gallagher's services for a bargain £34 million approximately eighteen months ago, but would likely demand around £50 million to part with the English midfielder in 2026. The former Chelsea and Crystal Palace star is reportedly dissatisfied with his reduced role at the Spanish club.
Gallagher's potential arrival would offer additional benefits beyond his midfield qualities. His homegrown status would help United meet Premier League squad requirements, and he could potentially help rejuvenate the form of former Chelsea teammate Mason Mount.
Concerns have been raised within Old Trafford about the team's over-reliance on key midfield figures like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. Gallagher's all-action style could provide a fresh dynamic and greater tactical flexibility for Amorim's side.
The coming weeks will prove crucial for United's season, with the club needing to navigate both the AFCON departures and disciplinary concerns while maintaining their push up the Premier League table.
