Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been plunged into what former defender Paul Parker describes as a "nightmare" situation, with the club facing an "impossible" challenge during the Africa Cup of Nations.
A Critical Double Blow for United's Attack
The Reds' attacking options have been brutally depleted, with both senior right-wingers, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, departing for the tournament. This leaves Amorim without his two primary choices for a crucial position at a busy period of the season.
Mbeumo, the £65million summer signing from Brentford, has made a significant impact, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances. His absence is seen as particularly damaging. Amad, who has adapted to a right wing-back role this term, has also been vital, notably scoring in Monday's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
The Lengthy AFCON Absence Explained
The duo will be missing for a minimum of two-and-a-half weeks, but the reality could be far worse. AFCON begins on Sunday, 21 December. Mbeumo's Cameroon face Gabon on Wednesday, 24 December, while Amad's Ivory Coast play Mozambique the same day.
Both nations are in the same group, but are expected to progress. If either suffers a shock group-stage exit, the player would likely miss three Premier League games against Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Wolves.
However, should their teams advance to the knockout stages, the pair would also be absent for the clash with Leeds United and potentially an FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton. The AFCON final is on Sunday, 18 January, meaning Mbeumo and Amad could miss up to eight United fixtures if their countries go all the way.
An 'Impossible' Void to Fill, Says Parker
Ex-United star Paul Parker has delivered a stark assessment of the crisis, telling MyBettingSites.co.uk that coping without Mbeumo is simply unfeasible. "They have no one close to his level, so they will struggle without him," Parker stated. "He is going to be a massive miss, and I can't see how they can do anything without him."
Parker also highlighted the compounded issue of Amad's simultaneous departure. "Amad Diallo is gone as well. Will they play Mason Mount or [Joshua] Zirkzee there? Gosh, I can't imagine how that is going to look," he questioned.
"Man United might have to change their whole approach, because nothing will come from that right-hand side without them," Parker added, concluding that the combined loss "is going to be a nightmare."
The situation is further complicated by the absence of full-back Noussair Mazraoui, who will represent Morocco at the tournament. Amorim now faces a critical period where his tactical ingenuity and squad depth will be severely tested.
