Ryan Giggs feels there is a “massive plus” at Manchester United despite the club losing some of their key players to the African Cup of Nations in December.
United played their last game with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo in the squad for a while, in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday. Noussair Mazraoui was not even able to play that, with Morocco not allowing the Red Devils to pick him in the squad.
The aforementioned trio have left for AFCON, with the earliest date they are likely to return being the beginning of January, as the group stages end on the final day of December.
Mbeumo has been one of United’s very best players this term, and the other absent players have also been of use.
As such, the seventh-placed Premier League club will be somewhat worried about their fixtures without the trio, given there are a couple of tough tasks in their next two games: Aston Villa and Newcastle.
United legend Giggs feels there’s cause for optimism despite losing three top players, though.
He told the Manchester Evening News: “With Mazraoui, we’ve probably got cover as long as [Matthijs] de Ligt and [Harry] Maguire come back. [Lisandro] Martinez has come back to bolster that defence, which is good timing.
“[Benjamin] Sesko is now back, which helps. But it’s definitely going to be a blow because Mbeumo has probably been the best player so far this season and looks like a real threat. Plays every game, has power, scores goals, and Amad can make things happen. So yeah, it’s going to be tough.
“But with Sesko coming back, [Matheus] Cunha could drop back into where Mbeumo was playing. Amad will be difficult to replace, and I don’t know how we’re going to do it, whether we are going to change shape.
READ MORE: Marcus Rashford given Barcelona transfer boost with ‘more inclined’ report
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the Manchester United players leaving for AFCON?
Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui have left for the African Cup of Nations.
2. When are these players expected to return?
Their earliest return is expected at the beginning of January, after the group stages end in December.
3. How does Ryan Giggs feel about the team’s situation?
He expresses optimism, highlighting that other players can fill the gaps left by the departing players.
4. Who does Giggs believe is a key player for United this season?
Giggs considers Bryan Mbeumo as one of the best players for Manchester United this season.
5. What is Mason Mount’s role in the current team?
Mason Mount has returned to the team and is seen as a significant asset due to his experience and skill.
6. What challenges does United face without the three players?
United is concerned about upcoming fixtures against tough opponents like Aston Villa and Newcastle.