Ruben Amorim is preparing to lose three star players at Manchester United during the Africa Cup of Nations this winter, but he has some talents in reserve to turn to
Ruben Amorim is looking to his academy players for AFCON rotation(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim has pointed to the club’s academy for solutions when a series of Manchester United players depart for AFCON.
The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on December 21 and runs through to January 18. Several high-profile Premier League players will be leaving their clubs to join their respective national teams.
For Amorim, this could see the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui – all key players – out for potentially an entire month. The United boss is reportedly trying to keep them at the club for as long as possible before the tournament begins.
When high-profile players leave the squad, it creates an opportunity for someone else to show their talents, and for Amorim, he has his eyes on the academy.
He said: “It is a circumstance that we already knew, but it is an opportunity for other players. We also have the Under-21s and we need to also send a message in that time, so we will see. But of course, it is not ideal because they [Amad, Mazraoui and Mbeumo] are so important in our team and we don’t have a long squad. But our Academy is for this moment, and we will be ready.”
With this in mind, Manchester Evening News have taken a look at academy candidates who could replace the departing AFCON stars during the festive period.
Shea Lacey – Bryan Mbeumo
At just 18, Lacey has shown his talents for United’s academy sides and on the international stage. He has represented England at U15, U16, U17 and most recently U20 level. For United, he made his U18 debut at 15 and now features regularly for the U21s.
Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey has impressed this season(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
When it comes to replacing Mbeumo, the youngster provides pace and skill down the right wing. Lacey can also switch into an attacking midfield role, which will certainly please Amorim – a manager who often moves his players around the pitch.
He’s more light-bodied and technical compared to Mbeumo’s physical style, but his pace and agility help him glide past defenders. He’s also a free-kick specialist at academy level.
Bendito Mantato – Amad Diallo
Mantato has been in the United system since he was nine. Now 18, he has shown he can handle big moments, including a 99th-minute winner to beat Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup quarterfinals earlier this year.
Bendito Mantato of England following the FIFA Under-17 World Cup round of 16 match vs Austria this week
The Manchester-born footballer can play as a forward or full-back. This versatility is ideal for Amorim’s system, which uses a back three and two attack-minded full-backs who push forward in transition.
Like Amad, Mantato is an impressive dribbler with electric pace down the wing. These attributes, combined with his versatility, make him a strong candidate to cover Amad’s absence.
Jaydan Kamason – Noussair Mazraoui
Kamason was the first player from United’s Emerging Talent Programme to sign a professional contract. Former U18 lead coach Adam Lawrence described his role to The Athletic as “predominantly as a full-back, but he likes to get forward and can affect the game higher up the pitch.”
Jaydan Kamason of Manchester United in action at Hong Kong Stadium back in May
This is exactly the type of full-back Amorim relies on. Kamason can get forward, beat players and deliver dangerous crosses, something Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha would welcome.
He has also shown he can handle the physical side of defending and adapt his game between defensive and attacking phases.
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