Mbeumo cut up between Man United duties, Cameroon AFCON call-up
Bryan Mbeumo has addressed his position on a potential call-up for Cameroon ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), making it clear he wants to avoid a club-versus-country standoff between Manchester United and the Indomitable Lions.
The 2025 AFCON kicks off on December 21, with players expected to join their national teams two weeks before the competition.
That timeline would see Mbeumo leave United’s camp after their Premier League clash with Wolves on December 8, just as Cameroon begin final preparations.
United’s £65m signing enjoying stellar debut season
Mbeumo, who joined United from Brentford for £65 million, has made an immediate impact under coach Ruben Amorim.
The 26-year-old has scored four goals and provided one assist in 10 league games, following a remarkable 2024/25 season with Brentford where he netted 20 goals and recorded eight assists in 38 appearances.
His performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Month for October, as Amorim’s side finally found rhythm after a poor start to the season.
The Portuguese coach has allowed Mbeumo to operate freely from the right flank, drifting centrally to influence play, a tactical move that has been key to United’s resurgence.
Club vs country dilemma looms
With Cameroon set to compete at AFCON under Samuel Eto’o’s federation, Manchester United are expected to request that Mbeumo remain in England for two critical fixtures against Bournemouth (Dec 13) and Aston Villa (Dec 21) before joining the national team.
According to The Sun, Mbeumo wants a peaceful resolution that satisfies both his club and country, emphasizing his commitment to professionalism and cooperation between all parties.
Amorim braces for AFCON absences
In addition to Mbeumo, Amorim will likely be without Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) during the tournament.
Addressing the expected absences, Amorim said: “We will have time to suffer. We’re going to struggle a little bit, but it’s also an opportunity.
‘Other players are going to have the chance to help us, and if we keep improving, our style and momentum won’t change.”
United’s mixed form continues
Despite a recent uptick that saw United win three straight matches in October, their best run under Amorim, the Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest last weekend.
They currently sit eighth in the Premier League, having collected 10 points from their last four matches, and will look to regain momentum when they face Tottenham this Saturday.
