Man Utd face Bryan Mbeumo blow as player set to miss multiple games

He has thrived at Old Trafford, contributing to the recent upturn in form under Ruben Amorim.

The 26-year-old scored his first league goal for United in the 3-2 win over Burnley in August and has added three more goals in his last two outings.

The winger will join Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off in Morocco on December 21, with Cameroon’s first match scheduled against Gabon on Christmas Eve.

Cameroon are placed in Group F, alongside Amad Diallo’s Ivory Coast and Mozambique. The knockout phase begins in January, with the final set for January 18 in Rabat.

Mbeumo is confirmed to miss United’s league matches against Newcastle and Wolves during the festive period.

He is also expected to be unavailable for the clash with Aston Villa, which coincides with the tournament’s opening day.

There’s a possibility he could miss the Bournemouth fixture on December 15, depending on Cameroon’s preparation schedule.

In January, United are due to play Leeds (Jan 3), Burnley (Jan 7), and Manchester City (Jan 17) in the league, along with an FA Cup third round tie over the weekend of January 10.

All of these games fall before the tournament’s final, meaning Mbeumo could be absent for up to eight matches if Cameroon reach the final.

His absence will be significant, as he has been one of United’s standout attacking performers in the early part of the season.

Mbeumo scored twice in United’s 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday and received praise from his manager.

“He’s a working machine. He’s so good in transitions. He’s improving when we are organising the final third,” Amorim explained.

“We can struggle a lot but it’s Manchester United. When Manchester United is there and when we feel that this player wants to come here, no matter what, no matter what the position, no matter if it’s Champions League or not, we also give everything to bring these kind of guys [to the club]. And that was the case.”