Manchester United must urgently accumulate points to secure a top-four finish! Their strongest right flank will be entirely unavailable by the end of the year, leaving the substitutes to disappoint Amorin.

Following Manchester United's 4-2 win against Brighton, £71 million winger Mbemou earned man of the match honors with a brace that secured the victory for the Red Devils. The 26-year-old Cameroonian international acknowledged that his beginning at the new club was not easy, yet he sees a bright future ahead at Old Trafford.

Since signing for Manchester United, Mbemou has scored five goals, far surpassing Cunha who joined before him and just scored his first. Mbemou said, "Scoring has naturally eased the pressure on him; he has been waiting for this moment, as have we. We are all happy for him, and our connection is growing stronger. Clearly, it’s not easy since we only arrived this year and are working hard to build chemistry in training. Being in such an environment is tough, with high expectations from a big club, but with teammates supporting me, supporting the team, and helping new players, I think that’s very important."

When asked if he could match last season’s 20 Premier League goals, Mbemou replied, "I always aim high in everything I do, trying not to limit myself or my abilities. I will just work as hard as possible. From the team’s perspective, everyone wants to achieve the highest possible ranking and win as many games as we can—that’s what we strive for."

After the match, Mbemou continued celebrating with teammate Amad Diallo in the dressing room, dancing together. Their coach, Rúben Amorim, was naturally pleased to see this, but likely harbors some hidden worries. By December, this right-wing partnership that started during Manchester United’s three consecutive Premier League wins will both be absent. Not only Mbemou and Amad, but also another right-sided stalwart, Mazraoui, currently sidelined with injury, will leave United due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

At this crucial stage of the season, this will significantly disrupt Manchester United’s attacking rhythm, as much of their offense this season has been driven through the right flank. Moreover, this situation is unavoidable; Mbemou played nearly every Premier League match last season, but the Africa Cup of Nations is a mandatory tournament for players, who risk suspension if they refuse to participate during major competitions.

Therefore, Manchester United must maximize points in November to minimize the risk of dropping points during the Christmas to New Year period when the squad will be depleted. The team faces a tough schedule next month, including matches against three current top-ten sides: Tottenham, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Participating teams will play at least three group stage matches. Mbemou’s Cameroon and Amad’s Ivory Coast are in Group F, with their group stage ending on December 31. Mazraoui’s Morocco, as hosts, are in Group A, finishing their group matches on December 29. Should they advance to the knockout rounds, the African Cup players will remain until at least January 3 to 6 for the round of 16; reaching the quarterfinals means playing on January 9 and 10, semifinals on January 14, and the final on January 18.

According to the current schedule, during the Africa Cup, Manchester United will host Newcastle United (December 27) and Wolves (December 31), and play away at Leeds United (January 3) and Burnley (January 8). Additionally, the second leg of the Manchester derby is scheduled for January 17, the day before the Africa Cup final. If Cameroon or Ivory Coast do not reach the final, Mbemou and Amad might have the chance to participate in that match.

During the Africa Cup, Manchester United’s right-back options will be limited to Diogo Dalot, who is currently playing as a left wing-back. The substitutes available may leave Amorim somewhat disheartened. Fans worry that although Dalot and Patrick Dogu have good attitudes, they lack creativity. Many recall the tension that Dogu’s substitute appearances have caused. Amorim will surely need to prepare ahead of the Christmas fixtures to find suitable alternatives.

Manchester United’s expected starting lineup during the Africa Cup: Lammers / Lenny Yaro, De Ligt, Luke Shaw / Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Dogu / Cunha, Sheshko, Mason Mount.