Confirmed: Why Amorim has been forced to omit Red who’s ‘amazing every time he plays’ hours before Bournemouth clash

Manchester United failed to reach an agreement with the Moroccan Federation in order to allow Noussair Mazraoui to play tonight.Indeed, Ruben Amorim was forced into omitting the defender, whom Owen Hargreaves says is ‘amazing every time he plays’, from his matchday squad and instead allowed him to depart for his home country, who are hosting the upcoming African Cup of Nations tournament. Shea Lacey and Noussair Mazraoui are both set to NOT make the #MUFC squad against #AFCB tonight. United could not find an agreement with the Morocco Federation. Understand Lacey is not injured, decision made by Amorim to inc Sesko instead @centredevils https://t.co/nTS0FNtcKP — Sully (@SullyTalkz) December 15, 2025Thankfully, both Cameroon and the Ivory Coast have allowed Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to feature against Bournemouth, after which they will presumably depart Manchester to begin their campaign preparations.How will Amorim navigate the festive period without AFCON representatives? (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)Rumours throughout the day have suggested Amorim is quietly considering changing up his 3-4-3 system in the absence of the trio, although it doesn’t look as though he’s made any tactical changes based on this evening’s XI. Ruben Amorim looking at adapting formation to more like 4-3-3. He told players ahead of Wolves a change would come + work has since been done at Carrington in that shape. “[AFCON] is a good opportunity for us to try to play in a different way.” ⬇️ #MUFChttps://t.co/jZ917WPlLx — Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) December 15, 2025United welcome the Cherries to Old Trafford in hopes of claiming back-to-back wins following last week’s 4-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.On the other hand, Bournemouth are winless in their last six matches, losing four times and drawing twice.Benjamin Sesko makes injury return (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Despite losing Mazraoui, the United boss has been granted an attacking boost in the form of Benjamin Sesko returning, albeit he’ll start from the bench after spending the last month sidelined with a knee injury.He hasn’t played since the Reds’ 2-2 away draw with Tottenham Hotspur prior to the November international break – a match that also saw Harry Maguire sustain an injury that he has yet to recover from.After facing Andoni Iraola’s men, United lock horns with a rampant, in-form Aston Villa outfit this Sunday, December 21 in the West Midlands.