Man Utd can replace Amad & Mbeumo by signing “best winger in the country”

Manchester United have been in tremendous form over the last couple of months, only losing one of their last nine outings across all competitions in 2025/26.

Some of their good form will no doubt be down to the impacts of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, with both players massively starring in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim.

The former of the pair has already netted six goals and one assist in England’s top-flight, with his tally of goals the highest of any player in the first-team squad.

As for the Ivorian, he’s netted one goal and two assists to date, often offering the Red Devils a real creative presence down the right-hand side from a wing-back role.

However, the manager will be unable to rely upon either of the aforementioned pair for the next few weeks, with both of the players set to link up with their respective nations for the competition.

The games Mbeumo & Amad could miss at AFCON

The African Cup of Nations is a tournament that has caused constant disruption for many clubs over the years, with United set to suffer with the upcoming competition.

The competition is set to last from the 21st of December until the 18th of January, which could see Mbeumo and Amad miss up to seven games should both teams reach the final.

Amorim stated in his press conference yesterday that he’s unsure if either of the two will be available to play against Bournemouth on Monday – which could take their games missed tally to eight.

During the competition, United have six Premier League matches to contend with, whilst also facing Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the FA Cup.

The biggest game that the manager will have to deal with their absence is the clash with local rivals Manchester City on the 17th of January, but both could be back should they suffer a group stage exit.

The competition’s group stage will conclude on the 31st of December, which will certainly see the pair miss matches against Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Wolves.

However, the first opportunity to have the player back would come on the 4th of January, which could see the pair star in the clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.

The player who could solve the Amad and Mbeumo issue

In the 2025/26 campaign to date, the pairing of Amad and Mbeumo have frequently featured together down the right-hand side and have formed an excellent partnership with one another.

Their tally of 10 combined goals and assists to date is 38% of the team’s total to date, which highlights the issue Amorim has on his hands to replace the aforementioned duo.

Players like Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, and Joshua Zirkzee will no doubt be chomping at the bit to force themselves into the starting eleven, but Amorim could decide to delve into the market.

Even though the window is yet to open, the Red Devils have already been linked with a whole host of players – including Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

The Ghanaian international has thrived in the Premier League this campaign, already netting six times and registering three assists in his first 14 games.

Unlike Mbeuno and Amad, he won’t be going to AFCON this year, which presents a perfect opportunity for Amorim’s side to make a move for his signature.

It’s been reported that he has a £65m release clause which becomes active on the 1st of January, but can only be triggered for a ten-day period at the start of the window.

United should be all over such a move, with the Cherries star, who’s been dubbed “the best winger in the country” by Chris Waddle, having the tools needed to fill the void at Old Trafford.

He’s already registered 1.4 shots on target per 90 this campaign, with such a tally ranking him in the top 4% of all players in the division – subsequently offering the goal threat that will be missed by Mbeumo.

Semenyo has also created 1.3 chances per 90 this campaign, whilst completing 1.5 successful dribbles per 90 – numbers which could allow him to fill Amad’s void.

The forward is capable of operating in a number ten or wing-back role if needed, something which could make him extremely useful to Amorim over the next few weeks.

He’s become one of the most sought-after talents in the division, with the hierarchy needing to move swiftly to complete a deal and hand the manager the assets needed to soften the blow created by AFCON.