Man United Target La Liga Defender Who Can Replace Mazraoui During AFCON

BACK Dylan Oakley Dec 9th 2025 Man United are reportedly targeting Elche centre-back David Affengruber ahead of the January transfer window.  Ruben Amorim’s side came off a 4-1 win against Wolves in the Premier League on Monday night, and now look ahead to their next game against Bournemouth with a chance to climb up into the top four of the league table. One of the star performers during the Wolves’ win was defender Noussair Mazraoui, who started in one of Amorim’s back-three positions. However, Mazraoui will soon leave for AFCON, which begins later in December. It could last until the end of January for the Moroccan international, and so Man United will need to find someone to replace him. They have been linked with Elche centre-back David Affengruber, according to TransferMarkt, and could make a bid for him ahead of January. The 24-year-old has a market value of just £6.5m, and has become a reliable La Liga defender. Affengruber has made 14 league appearances for Elche this season, and the Austrian can play as a centre-back or a midfielder, meaning he’s fantastic on the ball. Affengruber will be well suited to playing in a back three for this reason. Which other Man United players are leaving for AFCON? Apart from Mazraoui, there are two other Man United players set to leave for AFCON later this month. The first is wing-back Amad Diallo who has cemented his place in Amorim’s starting XI as a right wing-back. Diogo Dalot will likely replace the Ivorian winger at right-back, meaning that United may lose some attacking prowess. Furthermore, Bryan Mbeumo is set to leave as well, as the attacker is a key part of Cameroon’s national team. It will be a huge loss for Man United, as Mbeumo has arguably been their best player so far this season. Mbeumo has made 15 appearances for United this season, scoring six goals, and providing one assist. Click here to see Man United’s latest injury news.