Manchester United are working to complete the transfer of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after seeing an opening bid worth £45million plus £10m in add-ons rejected two weeks ago. Brentford are reportedly demanding a guaranteed £60m for the 25-year-old, and United are actively working to reach a compromise to seal their second signing of the summer.

Mbeumo would undoubtedly elevate Ruben Amorim's attack after notching up 20 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season. Alongside Matheus Cunha, who has already arrived in a £62.5m switch from Wolves, the Brentford No. 19 would promise to boost United's measly 44-goal tally of last season. However, should he indeed sign then not long after his arrival, the Red Devils could lose their new star attacker for as many as six matches.

The Africa Cup of Nations returns at the end of 2025, having been rescheduled to December to accommodate the FIFA Club World Cup.

United face losing Noussair Mazraoui, who will represent the hosts Morocco and Amad, guaranteed to be a key player for defending champions the Ivory Coast.

Andre Onana should also be in action for Cameroon, as will his international team-mate, Mbeumo.

AFCON 2025 will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. United are currently scheduled to play six Premier League matches in that period.

The 2025/26 Premier League fixtures were announced on Wednesday, revealing the potential matches in which Amorim will miss his African players.

Given United's challenging trip to Aston Villa falls on December 20, one day before the tournament begins, it's safe to presume those involved will be absent.

Home matches against Newcastle United and Wolves follow on December 27 and December 30, respectively.

Then, 2026 begins with away games at Leeds United on January 3 and Burnley on January 7 before Manchester City visit Old Trafford for derby day on January 17.

Teenage duo Sekou Kone and Chido Obi could be selected to represent Mali and Nigeria, respectively. That said, the latter has pledged his youth allegiance to Denmark.

However, neither represent as significant a loss as Onana, Mazraoui, Amad and Mbeumo for such a prolonged period of time.

United likely won't consider AFCON as a deterrent in their pursuit of Mbeumo, who has flourished into one of the Premier League's most productive forwards in recent years.

Amorim will have to ensure the Red Devils avoid falling into a position where another already-bad season could become disastrous during the winter period.