Overview
- Ruben Amorim said talks with Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Morocco are ongoing and he expects clarity by Saturday on whether Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui can play.
- FIFA’s shortened release window begins Monday, with players required to join at least a week before their nation’s opener; Morocco start Dec 21, while Cameroon and Ivory Coast begin Dec 24.
- Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are confirmed out for Bournemouth, with De Ligt managing a back issue the club is treating cautiously.
- Benjamin Sesko has returned to training after a knee lay-off but is being assessed following food poisoning and remains a doubt.
- If the AFCON trio depart, United say they will miss at least the league fixtures against Aston Villa, Newcastle and Wolves, so the staff are preparing multiple selection plans.