Bryan Mbeumo set to return to Man United for the Manchester derby after AFCON eliminated

Cameroon were knocked out of the tournament after losing to host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The match saw two Manchester United players, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui, face each other, with only one set to return to his club duties. Goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari sealed Morocco’s place in the semi-finals and ended Cameroon’s AFCON campaign.

Following Cameroon’s elimination, Mbeumo is expected to return to Manchester United this week to resume training. However, he will do so under a new managerial setup, as Ruben Amorim has been dismissed by the club’s hierarchy. The Portuguese coach was reportedly sacked after a controversial press conference following the match against Leeds, during which he referred to himself as “manager” and publicly urged the club’s leadership to “do their job”.

According to reports, Ole Gunnar Solskjær is set to return as interim head coach, with Michael Carrick appointed as his assistant. United had initially considered both former players for the permanent role but ultimately opted for an interim solution, with Carrick agreeing to serve as assistant manager. Solskjær is expected to arrive next week and begin preparations for the Manchester derby.

In the meantime, Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton. Mbeumo is also expected to rejoin full training this week and could be available for selection next weekend. The return of both Solskjær and Mbeumo is seen as a boost for United and unwelcome news for Manchester City, given Solskjær’s strong record against City and Mbeumo’s impact on the right flank.

United have been without Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Mazraoui for nearly a month due to AFCON commitments. During their absence, the team struggled down the right side, even deploying Patrick Dorgu out of position as a winger. Mbeumo’s return is expected to provide a natural option on the right, particularly with Solskjær favouring a 4-2-3-1 formation rather than the 3-4-2-1 system used under Amorim.

United could also receive another boost if Ivory Coast are eliminated by Egypt later tonight, which would see Amad Diallo return early. The 23-year-old has impressed at AFCON, scoring three goals to sit among the tournament’s top scorers alongside Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen of Nigeria, and Mohamed Salah of Egypt, trailing only Brahim Díaz, who leads the chart with five goals.

Manchester United will face Brighton in the FA Cup third round at 11:30 PM on January 11 (GMT+7).