Manchester United’s Potential Move for Bryan Mbeumo Raises AFCON Concerns, But Mourinho Sees No Problem
Following a disappointing 2024/25 season—United’s worst Premier League points total to date—the club is wasting no time reshaping its attack. With Alejandro Garnacho seemingly on his way out and Matheus Cunha signed, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is rumored to be next.
Despite Mbeumo’s impressive 20 goals and 7 assists last season, fans have expressed concern over his potential absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he’s expected to represent Cameroon. He could miss up to 10 games during the tournament.
However, former United manager José Mourinho doesn’t see this as an issue. Speaking on the Rio Presents podcast in 2024, Mourinho stressed that top clubs should have the squad depth to handle such absences. Drawing from his own experience, he explained that AFCON only becomes a problem for clubs with limited rosters, like his time at Roma. For elite teams, losing players for a few weeks shouldn’t be a big deal.
Mourinho also emphasized his admiration for African players, describing them as loyal and hardworking—traits he’s always valued.
The bigger question is whether United currently possess the kind of depth Mourinho is referring to. But with options like Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and now Cunha, the club may be better prepared than it seems to handle Mbeumo’s temporary departure.
Regardless, Mbeumo’s stats and physicality demonstrate he’s more than capable of excelling in the Premier League—something not many of United’s forwards achieved last season.
Key Stat: Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo together scored 35 goals in the Premier League last season—just nine fewer than United’s entire team (44).
AFCON 2025 Key Dates (Cameroon Qualified):
- Group Stage: Dec 21–31
- Round of 16: Jan 3–6
- Quarter-finals: Jan 9–10
- Semi-finals: Jan 14
- Final: Jan 18
Depending on Cameroon’s progress, Mbeumo may miss 8–10 matches for Manchester United.
