Ruben Amorim details when Man Utd 2025 AFCON players expected to join up with nations

The boss also says there will be opportunities for other first-team and Academy players to make their mark.

“It is a circumstance that we already knew, but it is an opportunity for other players. We also have the Under-21s and we need to also send a message in that time, so we will see. But of course, it is not ideal because they [Amad, Mazraoui and Mbeumo] are so important in our team and we don’t have a long squad. 

“But our Academy is for this moment, and we will be ready.”

Asked if Luke Shaw is a player that could play at wing-back in the potential absence of Amad and Mazraoui, our head coach added: “Yes, he can play there. It is the load that the player does in that position, [it] is a little bit different. 

“If you are doing that on a daily basis, he will be more prepared to play in that position. Of course, he can play there, he is a smart player, and he is fit at the moment, so it is an option.”