Confirmed: Man Utd star who’s played nine games this season will miss up to a month of action over festive period

Noussair Mazraoui has been called up to Morocco’s squad for their forthcoming African Cup of Nations campaign, setting in stone that he will be unavailable for Manchester United over the festive period.While it was widely anticipated that the full-back would be included in Walid Regragui’s selection, the full team was only confirmed this afternoon. اللائحة الرسمية لمنتخبنا الوطني المستدعاة للمشاركة في كأس أمم إفريقيا — المغرب 2025 🏆 The official squad list called up for our National Team for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations — Morocco 2025#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 | #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/t86rcbpdDp — Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) December 11, 2025Morocco are hosting this year’s tournament, which will only spur them on even more to try and secure their second-ever title on home turf, surrounded by their ever-faithful supporters.Mazraoui’s presence will only aid their quest, too.Mazraoui among United trio heading to AFCON(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)He is one of three United stars departing for the tournament before Christmas, with Amad Diallo ready to represent the Ivory Coast and Bryan Mbeumo, Cameroon.It does, of course, mean Ruben Amorim will be left short on options, and will have to navigate the most hectic stretch of the season without his trusted trio. Mazraoui has made nine Premier League appearances this term, including starts in the last two matches against West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers.Additionally, he has been an unused substitute on two occasions and missed four games through two separate injury issues – though he has managed to stay fit since making his return to action on November 1.When will Mazraoui and co leave Manchester?(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Amorim told reporters after the Wolves win that he was seeking clarification over when he would have to release the trio. #mufc’s AFCON trio preparing for Bournemouth game. Outside chance club could clarify decision on Mazraoui, Mbeumo and Amad today or they’ll leave it to Amorim at Carrington tomorrowhttps://t.co/U29u7BY29y — Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 11, 2025The mandatory release date for all clubs is currently set at Monday, December 15, in order to allow national teams ample time to prepare for their respective campaigns.Unfortunately for United, it coincides with their home clash against Bournemouth, who’ve claimed back-to-back 3-0 victories at Old Trafford in their last two visits.