Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo has been playing for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ruben Amorim missing his goals and creativity at Old Trafford
Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo is set to have his return to Old Trafford delayed after Cameroon won their last 16 game at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Indomitable Lions beat South Africa 2-1 on Sunday to progress to the quarter-finals.
Cameroon will now play the host nation, Morocco, on January 9. It means that either Mbeumo or fellow United star Noussair Mazraoui will be knocked out by the other and head back to M16.
One of Mbeumo or Mazraoui will therefore potentially be available for the FA Cup tie against Brighton & Albion on January 11, but more likely the Manchester derby on January 17.
Mbeumo has struggled for form so far at Afcon this winter. Despite registering an assist against Gabon in the group stages – the 26-year-old has had no goal involvements since.
Before a group stage game against Mozambique, Cameroon head coach David Pagou admitted Mbeumo was, potentially, putting too much pressure on himself to succeed.
“He’s putting too much pressure on himself, but I think he will manage that,” Pagou said. “He’s a great footballer, a great player, even for this country.
“He loves this team and really wants to commit to being as effective as possible. So today, again, in our little chat with him, the desire is there to be present, to step up, and to do great things.”
He added: “Bryan is a player who loves freedom; he has those qualities. So we are not going to deprive him of that and stop him from expressing himself on the pitch the way he wants.
“It’s intentional we let him express himself across the whole field. It’s true he’s had some difficulties flourishing.”
The absence of Mbeumo, Mazraoui and Amad at Afcon has coincided with a tricky period on and off the pitch for United. Ruben Amorim’s side have been decimated with injuries to key players and have won just one of their last five games.
Reds head coach Amorim has also cast doubt on his future at United and hinted that he will walk away when his contract expires in 18 months. The former Sporting boss demanded to be seen as the manager at Old Trafford, rather than head coach, even though the latter is his official title since being appointed by Ineos in November 2024.
Speaking after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds United, he said: “Guys, to stop with that, I noticed that you receive selective information about everything.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United. And that is clear. I know that my name is not Tuchel, it’s not Conte, it’s not Mourinho, but I’m the manager of Manchester United.
“And it’s going to be like this for 18 months, or when the board decides to change. So that was my point, I want to finish with that. I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until the other guy is coming here to replace me.”
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