Manchester United’s ranks will soon be affected by the Africa Cup of Nations, and that’s not the only factor that threatens to limit Ruben Amorim’s options in the near future
Ruben Amorim looks set to lose three regular starters at Manchester United as the Africa Cup of Nations comes calling. But the Red Devils are also at risk of losing another two first-team stars in their upcoming matches.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui each look destined for AFCON selection and will soon take a leave of absence. As if that didn’t hamper the manager’s selection enough, United’s discipline (or lack thereof) could take another two players out of action.
Elsewhere, the club appears to have identified its preferred target to replace Casemiro should the Brazilian leave this summer. Mirror Football delves into the latest headlines around Old Trafford ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.
Casemiro and Dorgu nearing bans
As if the impending exodus of AFCON-eligible players wasn’t bad enough, suspensions could be incoming for both Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu. Each of the pair are just one caution away from meeting the five-booking threshold that would incur a one-game ban in each case.
United, who sit 10th in the Premier League at present, could do with all the resources they can muster for a tough winter schedule. And it means both Casemiro and Dorgu will need to be on their best behaviour at Selhurst Park this weekend.
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Casemiro has already been out due to suspension this season after he was sent off in the 2-1 win over Chelsea back in September. But the Brazilian could be set for another brief spell on the sidelines if he gets booked just once more across the next seven Premier League fixtures.
And it may influence Amorim’s selection for what’s shaping up to be a very difficult trip to south London. Palace are undefeated in three and sit fifth, while United have gone more than a month without a win and slipped down to mid-table.
On one hand, United’s chief may prefer his players get booked sooner rather than later in order to get their suspensions out of the way before the AFCON exodus. On the other, he’ll want to preserve their disciplinary record for as long as possible in the hopes neither Casemiro nor Dorgu hit the five-card limit.
Gallagher eyed as Casemiro replacement
One of the major transfer stories developing at United concerns Casemiro, whose contract at Old Trafford expires next summer. And although the club retains the option to extend his stay by another 12 months, rumours have emerged touting Conor Gallagher as his preferred replacement.
That storyline is now gathering pace after AS reported Amorim’s side are at the head of the queue to land the Atletico Madrid midfielder. Gallagher, 25, was all but indispensable during his debut season under Diego Simeone last term but has since taken a backseat in recent months.
The former Chelsea and Crystal Palace talisman has started just five games across all competitions so far this season. Atletico signed the player for a bargain fee of only £34million almost 18 months ago, though it’s thought the Spanish giants would demand closer to £50m if they’re to sell up in 2026.
Gallagher, who is supposedly “not satisified” with his bit-part role at Atleti, would also come with added benefit that he would contribute towards United’s quota of homegrown players. And he could even help get a little more out of former Chelsea comrade and fellow Blues academy graduate Mason Mount.
There are understood to be concerns at United regarding the club’s over-reliance on midfield stars like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. However, a Premier League comeback for Gallagher could give the squad a new all-action alternative fit for the role.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
