Ruben unclear on situation after AFCON change
Despite FIFA confirming a rule change on the call-up dates for players competing in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim does not know how this will affect his plans.
The release date for players has been moved back to a week after the original deadline, with the tournament due to kick off in Morocco six days later, and Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui set to be affected.
The world governing body stated: "In line with the same principle used for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the release period will be shortened by seven days and will begin on Monday 15 December."
It also commented that agreement was reached after "fruitful consultations led by FIFA with key stakeholders and, thanks to the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by CAF (the African football federation), to reduce the impact on various parties".
The hosts, who look set to include Mazraoui in their squad, open the competition with a game against Comoros.
Ruben's press conference for Wolves (A)
Ruben Amorim was asked about AFCON, firepower and the squad’s physicality, before Monday’s trip to Wolverhampton…
Amad is likely to be involved with Ivory Coast, while Bryan Mbeumo has already been named in the Cameroon squad. However, there was no place for Andre Onana, who is currently on loan at Trabzonspor in Turkey.
Those two nations begin their bid for the trophy on Christmas Eve, with Ivory Coast facing Mozambique and Cameroon taking on Gabon.
When asked about the situation in his press conference to preview Monday night's match at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Amorim stressed he was still unsure as to when his players will depart for Morocco.
"No, with everything," he replied to the question. "They are going to play the next game [at Molineux] and that is the only thing I care [about]."
United welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford on Monday 15 December, before a trip to Aston Villa on 21 December, the day AFCON begins.
The competition is not due to end until 18 January 2026.