Manchester United sign ‘best winger in the country’ to replace Amadou and Mbeumo

Manchester United have been in excellent form in recent months, losing just one of their last nine games across all competitions during the 2025/26 season.

Part of their good form is undoubtedly due to the influence of Brian Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, both of whom have been very successful in the Premier League under manager Ruben Amorim.

The former has already scored six goals and provided one assist in England’s top flight, the most of any first-team player.

The Ivorian has one goal and two assists so far, and is often a real creative presence on the Red Devils’ right flank from his wing-back role.

However, the manager will not be able to rely on either of the aforementioned pair for the coming weeks, with both players scheduled to play in their respective countries.

Matches Mbeumo and Amad could miss at AFCON

The African Cup of Nations is a competition that has caused constant turmoil for many clubs over the years, and United are likely to struggle in their next competition.

The competition is scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18, with Mbeumo and Amado potentially missing up to seven games if both teams reach the final.

Amorim said at yesterday’s press conference that he did not know whether either of the two players would be available for Monday’s game against Bournemouth, which could mean eight games would be missed.

During the tournament, United will play six Premier League games, while they will face Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the FA Cup.

The biggest game the manager will have to deal with in their absence is against local rivals Manchester City on January 17, although both teams could return even if they suffer a group stage exit.

The group stage of the competition ends on December 31st, so the pair are certain to miss games against Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Wolves.

However, the first opportunity for the player to return will come on January 4, when he could feature in the pair’s game against Leeds United at Elland Road.

A player who can solve the problem of Amadou and Mbeumo

So far in the 2025/26 season, the pair of Amad and Mbeumo have often played together on the right flank, forming a great partnership with each other.

The total of 10 goals and assists so far is equivalent to 38% of the team total, highlighting the problems Amorim has in place of the aforementioned duo.

Players like Mason Mount, Koby Mainu and Joshua Zirkzee will no doubt strive to break into the starting eleven, but Amorim may decide to hit the market.

Despite the opportunity not opening up yet, the Red Devils have already been linked with a number of players, including Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

The Ghanaian international has been active in the Premier League this season, already scoring six goals and providing three assists in his first 14 games.

Unlike Mbeuno and Amad, he will not be participating in this year’s AFCON, so this is the perfect opportunity for Amorim to make a move to sign him.

The player has a release clause of £65 million, which will come into effect from January 1, but it is reported that he can only trigger it within the first 10 days of his contract.

The Cherries star, dubbed the “best winger in the country” by Chris Waddle, has the necessary tools to fill the hole at Old Trafford, so United should be fully committed to such a move.

He has already scored 1.4 shots per 90 on target this season, which ranks him in the top 4% of all players in his division, making him a goal threat that Mbeumo will miss.

Semenyo has created 1.3 chances per 90 and completed 1.5 successful dribbles per 90 this season, numbers that could fill the void left by Amad.

The forward can play the role of number 10 or wing-back if needed and could be of great use to Amorim in the coming weeks.

He has become one of the most sought-after talents in the division, and the hierarchy needs to move quickly to get the deal done and get the manager the assets he needs to cushion the blow from AFCON.