Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui played in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Friday night.
Since mid-December, Manchester United has been without three players due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui have been competing with their national teams. With the final scheduled for next Sunday, United can expect to have their players back soon.
It’s uncertain if any of them will reach the final, but Darren Fletcher, or the acting coach, is likely eager to reunite the full squad quickly.
Currently, United sits seventh in the Premier League and faces Brighton at Old Trafford in the FA Cup on Sunday. They will still be without their AFCON trio for this match.
Mbeumo and Cameroon Exit, Mazraoui Advances with Morocco
Bryan Mbeumo returned to Cameroon’s starting lineup after missing the previous match due to injury. Unfortunately, his team lost 2-0 to Nigeria in Abidjan.
This defeat ends Mbeumo’s AFCON involvement, allowing him to return to England to prepare for the derby against Manchester City next weekend.
Mazraoui played the entire game as Morocco won 1-0 against South Africa, with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring just before halftime.
Mbeumo Returns to Manchester Ahead of City Match
Mbeumo’s AFCON journey has concluded after Cameroon’s loss in the quarter-finals.
Cameroon was eliminated in the last eight on Friday night following a 2-0 defeat to Morocco, who remain a top contender for the title.
This means Mbeumo will be back at United before the Manchester derby, while Mazraoui will compete in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
After the match, Mbeumo shared his good relationship with Mazraoui and wished him success in the tournament.
“I have a great relationship with Nouss [Mazraoui],” Mbeumo said, as reported by Le360. “I wish him the very best. He played well tonight.”
Though it wasn’t one of Mbeumo’s standout performances, it’s notable that Morocco dominated the match and earned their victory.
Mbeumo played the full 90 minutes and created two chances, but Cameroon had trouble breaking through Morocco’s defense. Meanwhile, Mazraoui performed strongly at right back, completing five defensive actions. This made it tough for Mbeumo and his team.
When Will Amad Diallo Return to Manchester United?
Amad is also currently absent from United’s lineup.
The Ivory Coast forward has netted three goals and will aim to add to that against Egypt on Saturday.
If the Ivory Coast are eliminated, Amad could return to Manchester soon, joining Mbeumo. However, if they reach the final next Sunday, United will have to wait longer for their winger to rejoin.
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