Manchester United have been one of the Premier League teams to be hit hardest by the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Red Devils lost Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui for the tournament, and given that is effectively the entire right-hand side of their first-choice XI, it was a significant puzzle for now sacked head coach Ruben Amorim to solve — at least, until he was relieved of duties on January 5.
Mbeumo left as United's top scorer in the Premier League this season. In his absence, they have won only one of five league games and failed to score more than a single goal in each until the 2-2 draw with Burnley.
As much as a successful time in Morocco could do wonders for the morale of their players amid another difficult season, United fans have hoped the trio are back in England as soon as possible, particularly given the hectic fixture schedule.
AllSportsPeople looks at the games Mbeumo has missed and when he will be back at Man United's disposal.
MORE: Complete AFCON 2025 schedule and bracket
When is AFCON 2025?
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations began on December 21 and is contested for a month all the way up until the final on January 18.
Originally scheduled for this past June and July, AFCON was pushed back to the winter due to the 2025 Club World Cup scheduled for action in the United States over the same time.
| Round | Dates |
| Group Stage | Dec. 21 — Dec. 31 |
| Round of 16 | Jan. 3 — Jan. 6 |
| Quarterfinals | Jan. 9 — Jan. 10 |
| Semifinals | Jan. 14 |
| Third Place | Jan. 17 |
| Final | Jan. 18 |
When is Bryan Mbeumo back from AFCON?
Cameroon's exit at the hands of Morocco in the quarterfinals means Mbeumo will be back with United this week.
After missing the draw with Burnley and FA Cup home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, the forward should be a go for their return to Premier League action on January 17 against local rivals Manchester City.
MORE: Most successful teams in AFCON history
Cameroon AFCON schedule, results
Group stage
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
| Dec. 24 | 3 p.m. | Cameroon 1-0 Gabon | Adrar Stadium (Agadir, Morocco) |
| Dec. 28 | 3 p.m. | Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon | Marrakech Stadium (Marrakech, Morocco) |
| Dec. 31 | 2 p.m. | Mozambique 1-2 Cameroon | Adrar Stadium (Agadir, Morocco) |
Knockout stage
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
| Jan. 4 | 2 p.m. | South Africa 1-2 Cameroon | Al Medina Stadium (Rabat, Morocco) |
| Jan. 9 | 2 p.m. | Cameroon 0-2 Morocco | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat, Morocco) |
Man United schedule during AFCON
United managed just one win from the six games Mbeumo missed while he was at the Africa Cup of Nations.
| Date | Competition | Match | Location |
| Dec. 21 | Premier League | Aston Villa 2-1 Man United | Villa Park |
| Dec. 26 | Premier League | Man United 1-0 Newcastle | Old Trafford |
| Dec. 30 | Premier League | Man United 1-1 Wolves | Old Trafford |
| Jan. 4 | Premier League | Leeds United 1-1 Man United | Elland Road |
| Jan. 7 | Premier League | Burnley 2-2 Man United | Turf Moor |
| Jan. 11 | FA Cup 3rd Round | Man United 1-2 Brighton | Old Trafford |