Ruben Amorim admitted that his Manchester United side could struggle when Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo play in the Africa Cup of Nations later this season.
The competition, which will be hosted by Morocco, is set to get underway on December 21 before the final takes place on January 18.
Both Mbeumo's Cameroon and Diallo's Ivory Coast qualified for the tournament, while Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui could also be absent.
Mbeumo has scored four goals, including his brace last time out against Brighton, and provided one assist in the Premier League this season, while Diallo has played alongside him on the right in the wing-back role.
Although Amorim believes United could find it difficult to cope during the AFCON period, he is focused on the games ahead, starting with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
"We will have time to suffer. We are going to struggle a little bit, but we already knew it's going to be an opportunity," said Amorim.
"When I watch the training, there are players that should be playing, but it's hard with one game to take some players from the team, because they are doing well also during the training in games. So other players are going to have the opportunity to help us.
"They are understanding the way we want to play, so if we are improving on that, the change of characteristics is not going to change the idea or the momentum of the team. But let's use Amad and Bryan in these games, and we will see in general."
Saturday's match against Forest will also mark one year since Amorim was appointed as United's head coach.
And despite a turbulent few months at the helm, the Portuguese coach hopes he can continue in the role for years to come.
"It was a journey – a big journey," added Amorim.
"It was really tough, good moments and bad moments. I learned a lot. I found that even in lower moments, I can stick with the things I believe.
"Now, the answer is better than three weeks ago. It's one of the biggest honours of my life. I want to stay here for many years."
fedelnptu
0
that's why Fergie wasn't Love African players
Ferguson was foolish isn't bad to b an African
fedelnptu
0
why can't afcon be play during the summer like the euro and Copa America
don't be stupid y do you give us yr plans we to play afcon
pamdeimsz
0
AFCON should be postponed to June-July or canceled totally, no one is watching it after all... Or clubs must refuse to release players. No money even, just injuries 🤮
you must be out of your mind or better still stupid to make that comment. who the hell do you think you are?
biebcdmrs
0
its true,Amorim is talking the truth,but he can just use his sexzy and mounts..
Zuaiklpuyz
0
It's only 3 players he can replace them, Man United has a lot of players. But Amorim is always under pressure for nothing
Zuaiklpuyz
0
Senseless coach
Valprudent
0
why can't afcon be play during the summer like the euro and Copa America
Good question? Because we are Africans.
NFK97
1
He's making up excuses already for when he'll loose. Such a shame to hear that. Doesn't believe he can adapt and still win games
Tocilostyz
0
So why do you have to insult Africa and Africans to make your point. Why do you think everyone has to agree with your perspective. Just respect people no matter the color.
Nothing personal here but my apology if I tend you or anyone else... mine was just a suggestion
hoeabkmoz
0
Amorim is stupid, the team will struggle because of his nonsense philosophy
Kkrexuke
0
mount can take the RAM position behind sesko when mbeumo is unavailable or Bruno can be pushed back to this position where he is most devastating. Dalot take RM and shaw/dorgu takes LM. the 3 CBs shall be yoro, de ligt and Martinez
Bruce2019
0
I thought Cameroon has not qualified yet?
afcon qualification ended long tym ago.
Bruce2019
1
l will always say that this coach Amorim is useless and foolish he knows there's AFCON b4 signing and allowing some players to leave
have some respect please
adedefender
0
get sense bro...you think football is by affirmation...staying positive and actually winning are to different variables okay.
Idiot. u didn't have to throw jibes
Jbme
0
Only with his 3-4-2-1 formation, but I don’t think Man Utd can struggle even if they loose those two players, the problem is that Amorim doesn’t have backup system option.
Lusdlnosy
0
l will always say that this coach Amorim is useless and foolish he knows there's AFCON b4 signing and allowing some players to leave
Kaycabelo
0
why can't afcon be play during the summer like the euro and Copa America
Because summer in Africa is xtreme weather
Fesdilmnp
0
It has nothing to do about racism, it's about planning & organizing...& in June-July AFCON can have more spectaculars because the league are closed. Use your common nonsense please
So why do you have to insult Africa and Africans to make your point. Why do you think everyone has to agree with your perspective. Just respect people no matter the color.
SniperBngs
0
please Man United Board , Sign Kubo Take at Sociedad Or Mc Neil At Everton Or Bouddhi At League 1
Fiuabceny
0
afcon should be respected
with people like you.. it will soon be all Sudan.
Tocilostyz
0
You are evil racist.
It has nothing to do about racism, it's about planning & organizing...& in June-July AFCON can have more spectaculars because the league are closed. Use your common nonsense please
wowabkpruy
0
seriously, so try buy some wingers
Fesdilmnp
1
Woman football has nothing to do with European leagues, American league is not highly watched & most players are old. European leagues pays players high wages weekly but those players must leave their clubs to go get injuries just for a bread & peanut in AFCON. Think about it
You are evil racist.
ManUtdAmadDialo
0
Man U is already struggling even before AFCON... Do not be carried away 🤫
Your opinion doesn't count mthrfckr
Tocilostyz
0
What do mean, why isn't Europe postponed female leagues because many people don't watch then but they are there how can Americans making those leagues sweet and u expect then not to represent their respective country badges.
Woman football has nothing to do with European leagues, American league is not highly watched & most players are old. European leagues pays players high wages weekly but those players must leave their clubs to go get injuries just for a bread & peanut in AFCON. Think about it
Gray-T
0
What truth bruh? Look for a way to grind out results and always stay positive is key. Not always sounding like a looser
get sense bro...you think football is by affirmation...staying positive and actually winning are to different variables okay.
Richardoghale
0
you can't compare us with Chelsea that time?
Tell him
Richardoghale
0
What truth bruh? Look for a way to grind out results and always stay positive is key. Not always sounding like a looser
It's reality bro, stop acting like you don't know, when he loses you will start complaining
wuhabdmopz
0
What's the problem with AFCON being postponed.? And remove that badge, put AFCON badge than... 🌚
What do mean, why isn't Europe postponed female leagues because many people don't watch then but they are there how can Americans making those leagues sweet and u expect then not to represent their respective country badges.
cadkrstuyz
0
Maybe we can give Mount, Mainoo, Zirkzee a chance and Dalot comes in for Amad.
Or even move Bruno Fernandez up and play mount in the middle with Casemiro
cadkrstuyz
1
Maybe we can give Mount, Mainoo, Zirkzee a chance and Dalot comes in for Amad.
Tocilostyz
0
Are you even a human being because if you are you must have a continent that u represents, you daft.
What's the problem with AFCON being postponed.? And remove that badge, put AFCON badge than... 🌚
Dr-k_1
4
why can't afcon be play during the summer like the euro and Copa America
nuscdmopuy
0
Man u has been struggling from last season. Devil 😈😈😈😈 never win
deeabiknor
1
Man U is already struggling even before AFCON... Do not be carried away 🤫
mtoto mjinga
adedefender
0
It's the truth because 3 first team players who are even starters will be off for the African Nation Cup so we need to buy in January
What truth bruh? Look for a way to grind out results and always stay positive is key. Not always sounding like a looser
Huaaimntyz
1
that's why Fergie wasn't Love African players
APV-Nam
1
Man U is already struggling even before AFCON... Do not be carried away 🤫
Emchi
1
Until then 🥱
lebdknptuy
0
My friend will you shut up with that your 'struggle' predictions for Man Utd?
It's the truth because 3 first team players who are even starters will be off for the African Nation Cup so we need to buy in January
lebdknptuy
1
The Red Devils are in for a serious challenge in the January transfer window! With Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo set to jet off for the Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester United will be short-handed. To strengthen the squad, they'll need to bring in fresh talent, but that means selling some players to balance the books. Amorim's wishlist includes a top-class midfielder, with Angelo Stiller, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba on the radar. The likes of Tyrell Malacia and Joshua Zirkzee might need to make way.
nasaelmosy
0
Chelsea still competed when the likes of drogba, kaluu, mikel and essien went for afcon no excuse
you can't compare us with Chelsea that time?
Hatersmyass
0
which June are you talking about because afcon is always played from January it's the first time it's starting in December so which afcon are you talking about
Euroafcon maybe 😂😂😂
Tonybiz
0
I thought Cameroon has not qualified yet?
Dohalmnotu
0
that time Afcon was in june pal not December
which June are you talking about because afcon is always played from January it's the first time it's starting in December so which afcon are you talking about
adedefender
3
My friend will you shut up with that your 'struggle' predictions for Man Utd?
wuhabdmopz
2
AFCON should be postponed to June-July or canceled totally, no one is watching it after all... Or clubs must refuse to release players. No money even, just injuries 🤮
Are you even a human being because if you are you must have a continent that u represents, you daft.
vuaabdipu
0
Then I guess they have to win the five in a row now That guy can't handle waiting for Feb or March
mondilmryz
2
May be he should try raphael leao.
Podence☝️
0
Chelsea still competed when the likes of drogba, kaluu, mikel and essien went for afcon no excuse
Boy 👦 do you watch football game very well or you just start to watch football recently