Amorim's 'Irreplaceable' Star Set for AFCON Duty
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been told that his summer signing, Bryan Mbeumo, has already become an 'irreplaceable' part of the team, sparking major concerns as the forward prepares to depart for the African Cup of Nations next month.
Former United defender Paul Parker has voiced serious fears about the impact of losing the £65 million acquisition from Brentford, suggesting his absence could derail the team's progress.
A Formidable Impact and Looming Crisis
Mbeumo arrived at Old Trafford alongside other attacking reinforcements like Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, but it is the 26-year-old Cameroon international who has adapted most impressively.
In his 12 Premier League appearances, Mbeumo has found the net five times – making him the club's top scorer – and provided one assist, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Amorim's setup.
However, with AFCON fast approaching, United are braced for the departure of Mbeumo, as well as teammates Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui.
Parker did not mince his words when assessing the situation, stating to MyBettingSites.co.uk: 'It is impossible for Man United to cope with the loss of Mbeumo when he leaves for the AFCON. They simply can’t.'
'They have no one close to his level, so they will struggle without him,' he added. 'He is going to be a massive miss, and I can’t see how they can do anything without him. He is one of the best players in the league, and he is definitely the best player for Manchester United.'
A Potential 'Nightmare' on the Right Flank
The concern extends beyond just Mbeumo. Parker highlighted that the concurrent absence of Amad Diallo creates a double blow that could force a complete tactical rethink.
'Amad will be a massive miss as well,' Parker said. 'Man United might have to change their whole approach, because nothing will come from that right-hand side without them.'
He expressed deep scepticism about the potential replacements, questioning whether players like Mason Mount or Joshua Zirkzee could effectively fill the void. 'Gosh, I can’t imagine how that is going to look,' he concluded.
Parker summarised the situation as a 'true nightmare' for Amorim, emphasising his lack of faith in the squad's depth to compensate for the loss of such pivotal attacking threats.
In a bid to mitigate the impact, United are planning talks with the relevant national federations. Tournament rules state players must be released two weeks before their first game, which could see the trio miss the clash with Wolves on December 8.
'We have the rules for when we have to release the players [but] we are trying to have the players a bit longer,' Amorim confirmed. 'It is not just in our hands. We will see. We will try to arrange something with the federations.'
Currently sitting tenth in the Premier League table but just three points off the top four, United's ability to navigate this period without their key man could define their season.
