Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo Decision That Could Mess Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 Preparations

Manchester United are working to avoid a potential club-versus-country dispute over Bryan Mbeumo's participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, hoping to prevent a repeat of the tensions that surrounded Andre Onana's call-up in the previous tournament.

Mbeumo, who joined United from Brentford in a £65 million summer transfer, has made a significant impact at Old Trafford.

The forward has already scored four goals in his first 10 appearances and was on Friday named the Premier League Player of the Month for October, becoming a key figure in Ruben Amorim's squad.

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However, his impressive form has put him on a collision course with a packed club schedule. Mbeumo is expected to be a vital part of Cameroon's squad for their crucial World Cup qualifiers this month before the AFCON kicks off on December 21.

The striker is eager to represent his country in his first AFCON after injury ruled him out of the last edition.

According to sources, Mbeumo is keen for his club and the Cameroonian Football Federation to reach an amicable agreement on his release date, leaving the negotiations to the two parties to avoid any conflict.

Under FIFA regulations, clubs are required to release players two weeks before a major international tournament. A strict adherence to this rule would see United lose Mbeumo, along with teammates Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), for up to six weeks during a critical period of the season.

The issue is set to come to a head around United's fixture against Wolves on December 8, the same day Cameroon is scheduled to begin its pre-tournament training camp.

The club is reportedly hoping to persuade the Cameroonian FA, led by president Samuel Eto'o, to allow Mbeumo to stay for key matches against Bournemouth on December 13 and Aston Villa on December 21.

A source in Cameroon indicated that officials are open to discussing player release dates during their upcoming meeting in Morocco for the World Cup qualifiers. Manchester United are wary of a situation similar to the one involving Onana during the last AFCON.

Despite an agreement for a late arrival, Onana was benched for Cameroon's opening game after playing for his club less than 24 hours earlier, a decision that reportedly angered then-coach Rigobert Song and led to a difficult tournament for the goalkeeper.

Determined to avoid a similar fallout, Mbeumo wants a clear and undisputed arrangement. United will likely seek similar compromises for Mazraoui and Amad, as manager Ruben Amorim looks to minimise the disruption caused by the absence of several key players.

With Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Morocco all considered strong contenders for the title, United face the prospect of being without their African stars for an extended period if their nations advance deep into the tournament.