How Diminishing Will AFCON Be Towards Manchester United’s Recent Success?

For teams in the Premier League, the African Cup of Nations is always something which is never a positive for managers as some of the best players in the league get set to be absent for almost a month. One team in particular who will be feeling the wrath of AFCON this year is Manchester United, and it is the worst possible timing for Ruben Amorim’s side.

The last month or so has been one of the brightest months in a long time for Manchester United fans, and a month full of positive success and improvement. Beating league rivals like Liverpool and Chelsea, while also finding themselves seventh in the league above reigning holders Liverpool is something United fans have been dreaming of for years, and finally, they look like a decent side again, but AFCON may hit them when they least needed it.

For Manchester United, the majority of improvement in their team has come from players like Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo. The two have been massive gamechangers for the team, and two intangible players they really can’t afford to lose. Despite losing the two, United are still with summer signing Matheus Cunha, captain Bruno Fernandes, and key players like Mattias De Ligt and Casemiro, however losing two of their most creative players really isn’t ideal in a time where they need their momentum and consistency the most, and it could be massively damaging.

Of course United won’t be the only team who suffers with the hit of AFCON absences, teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace will all be massively effected, but for a team who needs to keep the ball rolling, losing two important guys like that is extremely damaging for a team like United.