Manchester United Face Selection Dilemma Ahead of Bournemouth Clash

Key Takeaways:

• Ruben Amorim awaits confirmation on whether Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui can feature for Manchester United against Bournemouth, with the match set for Monday evening
• FIFA have mandated a December 15 release date for Africa Cup of Nations participants, the same day as United’s fixture with Bournemouth, leaving player availability in doubt
• Should Manchester United defeat Bournemouth, and results elsewhere are favourable, the club could potentially climb as high as fourth in the Premier League table

Squad Selection in Limbo Due to AFCON Regulations

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is yet to determine if Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui can be included in the squad for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. The uncertainty stems from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) release date, as FIFA have instructed clubs to make participating players available by December 15. With United scheduled to host Bournemouth that same evening, the situation remains unresolved just three days prior to kick-off.

Amorim on if the players going to AFCON will leave before Monday's game: "I don't know if it's going to be the same situation. It depends on the games and every national team has an idea of when they want their players. I expect to know today." #mufc pic.twitter.com/qjhY1MwkUV

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) December 12, 2025

Amorim confirmed that he is currently engaged in discussions with the respective national sides in an effort to clarify when the players must leave and whether they can be selected against Bournemouth. As a result, multiple tactical approaches are being formulated ahead of the match, accommodating various availability scenarios.

Preparation Challenges and Timing of AFCON Duties

The ambiguous timing has forced Amorim and his staff to cover all possible eventualities, whilst also keeping Bournemouth in the dark regarding United’s starting line-up. As Amorim noted, this uncertainty could serve as a tactical advantage, as neither side is able to fully prepare for the identities of the opposition’s key players.

Mazraoui is due to represent Morocco, whose AFCON campaign commences on December 21 against Comoros. Amad and Mbeumo are scheduled for later tournament debuts, with Ivory Coast encountering Mozambique and Cameroon facing Gabon, both fixtures falling on December 24. While there had been speculation that release dates could depend on a team’s tournament opener, no official line has been confirmed to United by the relevant associations.

Manager’s Approach and Possible League Implications

Speaking on the ongoing situation, Amorim said:

“We are still in conversations with national teams, the game is Monday, they are training and we are trying to prepare all scenarios.”

“It’s frustrating, but at the same time, nobody knows who is going to play, so it’s a good thing.”

“We have players to cope with everything. With a long week you can work on several stuff to prepare the game.”

He further expressed hope that a decision would be communicated by Saturday at the latest, but acknowledged different national teams have differing expectations regarding player availability.

If Manchester United secure all three points against Bournemouth on Monday night, their league position could improve significantly, with the opportunity to move up as high as fourth depending on the outcome of other matches.