Mbeumo and Amad Return to Manchester United After AFCON Exit

Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo emerged as standout players for Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, respectively, during their campaigns in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Unfortunately for both nations, their quests for the championship ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals. Mbeumo’s Cameroon was defeated 2-0 by host nation Morocco, who featured his Manchester United teammate, Noussair Mazraoui. Meanwhile, Amad and the Ivory Coast fell to Egypt in a thrilling match that concluded with a scoreline of 3-2.

Despite the personal disappointment of their international exits, Manchester United is likely relieved to welcome both players back after a challenging month. Since their departure for the tournament, the club has parted ways with head coach Amorim and has struggled on the pitch, remaining winless in two matches under interim coach Darren Fletcher. Recently, Michael Carrick was appointed as the new head coach, set to lead the team through to the end of the 2025-26 season. Carrick will be keen to have two talented attackers like Mbeumo and Amad available for his inaugural match in charge.

According to a statement from Manchester United, “Amad and Bryan Mbeumo returned to training on Wednesday as Michael Carrick and his coaching staff conducted their first session at Carrington. Both players were part of the Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the quarter-finals in Morocco. Their early exit allowed them to return and begin preparations for Saturday’s Manchester derby against City. Meanwhile, Noussair Mazraoui remains unavailable as he continues with the hosts in their bid for a place in the final against Nigeria.”

The two players had contrasting experiences at the AFCON. Amad impressed by scoring three goals in five matches, while Mbeumo struggled to find the net, registering an assist in his tournament opener but failing to make a significant impact in subsequent matches. He did not manage a single shot on target during the 2-0 defeat to Morocco.

United will be hoping Mbeumo quickly regains his form. The 26-year-old has scored seven goals in 17 appearances across all competitions since joining from Brentford, showcasing his potential even amidst the challenges faced under former management. Amad has also enjoyed a productive season, contributing two goals and two assists in the Premier League. With Carrick at the helm, it will be intriguing to see how Amad’s role evolves, especially with a shift away from a three-at-the-back formation.

Despite the recent managerial changes and an early exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Brighton, Manchester United’s season still holds promise. Currently positioned seventh in the Premier League and just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, the team has ample time to prepare for upcoming fixtures as they no longer have other commitments.

The immediate focus is on the Manchester derby against Pep Guardiola’s City. The Cityzens have faced several significant injuries recently and have fallen six points behind Arsenal in the title race due to three consecutive draws. A victory inspired by the talents of Mbeumo and Amad could serve as a perfect launchpad for Carrick’s efforts to turn the season around for Manchester United.