The upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) presents significant challenges for both Manchester City and Manchester United as several key players prepare to join their national teams. The tournament, set to begin on December 21, 2025, will see both clubs lose crucial members during a demanding winter schedule in the Premier League.
Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, faces a notable setback as both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad will depart for international duty, joining the Cameroon and Ivory Coast squads, respectively. Similarly, Manchester City’s roster will be affected by the absence of Noussair Mazraoui, who will represent Morocco as the tournament’s host nation, along with Omar Marmoush for Egypt and Rayan Ait-Nouri for Algeria.
With the tournament concluding on January 18, 2026, players could potentially be away from their clubs for nearly a month. During this time, the Premier League will feature six rounds of matches, including a particularly grueling five-game stretch from December 20 to January 8.
The implications of these absences are significant. For teams like Manchester United and Manchester City, maintaining squad depth will be essential as they navigate the fixtures against rivals. For instance, Manchester United is poised to face challenging opponents such as Aston Villa, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Crystal Palace during the AFCON period.
The tournament’s group stage runs from December 21 to December 31, followed by knockout rounds, including the Round of 16 from January 3 to January 6 and the semi-finals on January 14. The final will take place in Rabat on January 18, adding to the uncertainty of player availability for club matches immediately following AFCON.
Morocco enters the tournament as a strong contender, aiming for its first AFCON title since 1976. The Atlas Lions are heavily favored to lead Group A, which includes Zambia, Mali, and Comoros. Meanwhile, Egypt, a seven-time champion, faces a challenging Group B lineup against South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
As players begin to link up with their national teams, the timing of the tournament could prove pivotal for both Manchester clubs. The absence of key figures may affect their standings as they strive to maintain momentum in the league. With a crowded fixture list ahead, the impact of the AFCON will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
