‘Very special’ United wonderkid should be the ideal Bryan Mbeumo replacement when he leaves for AFCON – opinion

The Africa Cup of Nations is expected to kick off on 21 December, and Manchester United could be among the clubs most affected by the mid-season international tournament. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all set to link up with their respective national teams for the competition. While United fans may feel the squad can cope without Mazraoui, given the depth of defensive options available, many United fans are struggling to see how the team will fare without Mbeumo and Amad. Amad and Mbeumo: United’s emerging threat The two attackers have begun forging a dangerous partnership down United’s right flank. Their sharp link-up play, technical finesse and individual brilliance have been causing defenders all sorts of problems. Their growing influence is gradually shifting United’s attacking bias towards the right-hand side. Losing both for over a month will undoubtedly be a significant blow for Amorim. Depending on how far their nations progress in AFCON, the pair are likely to miss several key fixtures. Games Amad, Mbeumo and Mazraoui could miss due to AFCON DateOpponentVenue Sun, 21 DecAston VillaAway Sat, 27 DecNewcastleHome Tue, 30 DecWolvesHome Sat, 3 JanLeedsAway Wed, 7 JanBurnleyAway Sat, 17 JanMan CityHome Sat, 24 JanArsenalAway Amorim’s contingency plan Surely, Amorim must have a plan to replace the duo. It has since emerged that the Portuguese tactician is reluctant to let Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo leave in the winter transfer window. He is hoping the “unsettled” pair will step up and play a pivotal role in Amad and Mbeumo’s absence. But it is not just Zirkzee and Mainoo; teen prodigy Shea Lacey should also be in the conversation. So why should Lacey be an option to replace Mbeumo? When Mbeumo and Amad head off for AFCON, United will be left without a like-for-like winger, except for Shea Lacey, a natural right-sided option by trade. The teenage prodigy’s close control, dribbling, and agility could make him a tricky, unpredictable presence not just out wide, but potentially as a lively right-sided number 10. Having shaken off his injury struggles, Lacey has occasionally trained with the senior squad this season. He will have picked up a thing or two from watching Mbeumo and Amad closely. Chatter from United’s first-team training has been overwhelmingly positive. “[Lacey] He’s been tearing it up—fearless, creative, and always looking to make something happen. He’s really caught the eye,” an insider told Give Me Sport recently. If the young lad is impressing in training, then he should be given his chance. After all, as the old saying goes, if you are good enough, you are old enough. Lacey might be ready to take the next step, breaking into the senior setup and offering Amorim a fresh attacking spark. Shea Lacey has scored 5 G/A in the last 6 games for Man United U21. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✨ pic.twitter.com/TANSmTu1FK — The United HQ (@TheUTDHQ) November 4, 2025 If he rises to the occasion, there may be no looking back. In fact, given the immense potential he possesses, Lacey could save United millions in the transfer market. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.