Manchester United are still waiting to learn whether three key players can feature against Bournemouth tonight. Sources confirm negotiations with Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Morocco remain ongoing, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui's availability unclear just hours before kickoff.
FIFA deadline creates chaos
The confusion stems from FIFA's mandatory release date falling on December 15, the same day United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Clubs must allow players to join their national teams by that date, but the timing has created a grey area that Ruben Amorim is trying to exploit.
Understanding is that United have been in constant dialogue with all three federations. Mbeumo and Amad were pictured training at Carrington ahead of the fixture, suggesting at least two of the trio could be involved before departing immediately after the final whistle.
Mazraoui faces earlier exit
Morocco's situation differs from the others. The hosts open the tournament against Comoros on December 21, three days before Cameroon and Ivory Coast play their first games. Sources indicate Mazraoui may need to leave earlier, particularly given lingering fitness concerns that have limited his involvement in recent weeks.
Amorim addressed the uncertainty at his press conference on Friday. The Portuguese admitted frustration but suggested the ambiguity could work in United's favour, keeping Bournemouth guessing over his team selection.
Up to seven games at stake
The AFCON runs until January 18. Depending on how far each nation progresses, United could be without their African contingent for fixtures against Aston Villa, Newcastle, Wolves, Leeds, Burnley, Brighton in the FA Cup and Manchester City.
Mbeumo has been United's top Premier League scorer this season with six goals. Amad has established himself as a regular under Amorim. Losing both for up to a month would test the squad's depth at a critical stage of the campaign. Tonight's game takes on added significance as a result.
