Manchester United will heave a sigh of relief following the latest FIFA announcement regarding the release of players for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Red Devils have three representatives heading to the competition — Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui. The earlier deadline for releasing players was December 8, around two weeks before the event kicks off.
Which effectively meant Ruben Amorim would have his full squad available up till the Wolverhampton Wanderers game. Morocco play on December 21, while Ivory Coast and Cameroon begin their campaign on December 24.
He was desperate for the trio to be available for selection at least for the Bournemouth game on December 15. The Cherries have been a bogey team for United and it makes sense for United to try and delay their departures.
FIFA provide AFCON relief
However, The Daily Mail have claimed that football’s governing body has relaxed those rules. Now, clubs will be given an additional week and will not be asked to release players until December 15.
It is still not clear whether that means United will have the trio available as their game against Andoni Iralola’s side kicks off at 8pm on Monday.
| Date | Fixture | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Dec 2025 | Aston Villa vs Manchester United | Premier League |
| 27 Dec 2025 | Manchester United vs Newcastle United | Premier League |
| 30 Dec 2025 | Manchester United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers | Premier League |
| 03 Jan 2026 | Leeds United vs Manchester United | Premier League |
| 07 Jan 2026 | Burnley vs Manchester United | Premier League |
| 10–11 Jan 2026 | Manchester United vs TBD | FA Cup – Third Round Proper |
| 17 Jan 2026 | Manchester United vs Manchester City | Premier League |
Games United’s AFCON contingent could miss
“FIFA have granted Premier League clubs an extra week to keep their stars heading to the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Daily Mail Sport understands teams will not have to release their players until December 15 – seven days later than the initial deadline – in a major boost for those whose squads will be affected by departures for the tournament in Morocco.
Hope United can benefit
“Manchester United could also benefit as they may be able to field Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui when Ruben Amorim’s side host Bournemouth the following day.
“It is not yet clear whether they could feature given the fixture falls on the new date FIFA has told clubs to release their players by.”
In the recent past, Andre Onana had delayed his departure to join up with Cameroon, which meant he missed their opener. It will be interesting to see if United repeat the trick if FIFA insist on players leaving before the Bournemouth game.
AFCON-bound players could miss up to eight Premier League games as well as an FA Cup tie should their country make it all the way to the final on January 18.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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