Man Utd Conceals Strategic Lineup Bombshell Ahead of Bournemouth Showdown
Manchester United intend to keep the status of discussions regarding Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui's participation in Monday's clash against Bournemouth under wraps until the final moment, according to reports.
United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on the evening of December 15, which coincidentally marks the cutoff date for clubs to release players summoned for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations competition. For the Red Devils, this involves Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad (Ivory Coast) and Mazraoui (Morocco).
"We are still in discussions with national teams," Amorim stated on Friday while confirming he anticipated a resolution within the following 24 hours.
Likely, the solution to Amorim's squad puzzle has already been determined, but the Manchester Evening News reports United will maintain secrecy around the decision in a bid to catch Monday's visitors off guard.
United have no requirement to disclose the trio's availability until the 75-minute pre-kickoff deadline, and they are anticipated to utilize every available moment.
Benjamin Sesko a Surprise Doubt vs. Bournemouth
Defensive pair Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt continue to be sidelined for United, but there was initial optimism that Amorim would encounter no additional fitness concerns after reports emerged that striker Benjamin Šeško was approaching a return from a knee problem.
Regrettably for Šeško, his comeback might have been postponed by food poisoning, which Amorim acknowledged could temporarily sideline him once more.
"Ben, we need to assess," Amorim commented about the forward. "We need to determine his availability. He experienced some [food] poisoning, but we'll evaluate. Let's wait and see."
No additional information has been provided, but there has been considerable speculation across social media platforms that Šeško will not be fit in time for Bournemouth's visit, as they seek to disrupt United's attempt to move closer to Champions League qualification positions.