Official: Multiple-game absence confirmed for United star after national team announcement

Manchester United forward Amad has officially been called up by the Ivory Coast for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Earlier on Tuesday, Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé unveiled his squad, naming Amad as one of his options in the attacking department. 🚨 OFFICIEL – Liste des Éléphants 🇨🇮🐘🔥 Le sélectionneur dévoile les joueurs retenus pour la CAN 2025 !#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/sAaarcjMyu — Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮🐘 (@FIFCI_tweet) December 9, 2025 The reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions begin the defence of their title with a Group F clash against Mozambique in Marrakech on December 24. The Ivorians are also poised to face Cameroon and Gabon ‍in their group. Amad’s expected call-up is the culmination of his vital performances and growing stature at United. Under Ruben Amorim, he has become a key player, forming part of the select group the Portuguese coach appears to fully trust. The 23-year-old has made 14 Premier League appearances for United this term, contributing one goal and three assists in that period. His sole goal was the equaliser in last month’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. While he didn’t get on the score sheet, Amad was crucial on Monday evening as United put Wolverhampton Wanderers to the sword in a 4-1 triumph at the Molineux. Amorim told reporters that he is hoping to keep Amad, Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) for as long as possible before they eventually depart for AFCON. The United head coach remarked [as quoted by The Sun], “The club is talking with the national teams. Let’s wait for the middle of the week.” “I don’t know for sure, but we are doing our job and the national teams are talking with us and that is a good sign.” United fans will certainly be hoping that the club and respective associations can reach an agreement that suits all concerned parties. The Red Devils are next in action on Monday, December 15, when they welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford. Featured image Alex Pantling 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 Latest Top Stories… Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!