Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo will be delayed in returning to Old Trafford after Cameroon advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Indomitable Lions defeated South Africa 2-1 on Sunday, setting up a clash with hosts Morocco on 9 January.
This means either Mbeumo or fellow United player Noussair Mazraoui will be eliminated by the other. One of them could potentially be available for the FA Cup tie against Brighton and Hove Albion on 11 January, though the Manchester derby on 17 January seems more realistic.
Mbeumo has struggled for form at the tournament, providing just one assist. Cameroon boss David Pagou suggested the 26-year-old may be putting too much pressure on himself. 'He's putting too much pressure on himself, but I think he will manage that,' Pagou said. 'He loves this team and really wants to commit to being as effective as possible.'
The departures of Mbeumo, Mazraoui and Amad for AFCON come at a challenging time for United, who have won only one of their last five matches amid a host of injuries. Head coach Ruben Amorim has also cast doubt on his long-term future, stating he intends to stay for 18 months unless the board decides to replace him.
