AFCON Absences Could Open Doorways at Manchester United
The African Cup of Nations has often tested squad depth for top clubs, and Manchester United is no exception. When national-team commitments pull players away, there are clear opportunities for others at Old Trafford to step up. At the heart of Arsenal-style youth development and strategic rotation sits Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, whose rise has fans dreaming of a sustained first-team role. Alongside him, Joshua Zirkzee provides a different option up front. Beyond these two, a cluster of United players could profit from any AFCON-related absences by stepping into bigger roles or more minutes.
Kobbie Mainoo: The Academy Graduate Ready for Bigger Minutes
Mainoo’s natural position is as a No. 8, where his balance of shielding the defense and driving the ball forward can unlock Manchester United’s midfield transition. The AFCON window could create a broader canvas for him to operate as a regular option rather than a squad filler. His development over recent seasons has been about consistency, decision-making, and the ability to exploit space between the lines. If the absence of certain AFCON-bound teammates creates more midfield rotations, Mainoo could be the beneficiary with increased minutes and higher-impact performances.
Joshua Zirkzee: A Itinerant Striker Ready for a Spotlight
Joshua Zirkzee has shown versatility around the forward line and can act as both a traditional number nine and a false nine when required. AFCON absences might reduce the depth in United’s attacking department, allowing Zirkzee to press his claims for more starts in league and cup games. When given chances, he has demonstrated a keen eye for goal and an ability to combine with running wingers and midfielders alike, making him a natural fit for rotational spells that come with a busy fixture schedule.
Six United Players Who Could Benefit from AFCON Absences
Beyond Mainoo and Zirkzee, several Manchester United squad members could be well-placed to take advantage of AFCON-related gaps. Here are six who could push for more minutes and bigger roles during a congested schedule:
- 1) A versatile defender – A centre-back or right-back option can step in to maintain solidity when abroad-bound teammates are missing. Expect clean defending, interceptions, and leadership to fill in the gaps.
- 2) A dynamic full-back – A player who can contribute in wide areas, overlapping runs, and crosses, adding width to United’s attacking play while others are away with their national sides.
- 3) A forward-thinking winger – A natural width-forward who can stretch opposition backlines and provide crosses or cut-backs for goal threats, particularly valuable when AFCON participants are unavailable.
- 4) A box-to-box midfielder – A midfield runner who can cover more ground, contribute defensively, and unlock spaces in transition when the team needs tempo without certain regulars.
- 5) A created playmaker – A creator who can unlock pressing blocks with short passes, through-balls, and smart positioning to exploit spaces created by AFCON absences.
- 6) A backup striker – A back-up who can lead the line in cup runs or league games, offering different attributes compared to the starting forward, such as physical presence or pace to stretch defenses.
<h2 tactic and squad balance under the AFCON window
When a club like Manchester United faces a run of fixtures with fewer first-team attackers, the emphasis shifts toward intelligent rotation and development. The AFCON absences can be an opportunity to test different formations, such as a 4-2-3-1 with Mainoo sitting deeper to shield the back line while a more fluid front line tries to press high and create chances. The challenge remains maintaining balance between defense and attack while keeping the squad motivated and match-fit across competitions.
Conclusion: Opportunity Knocks for United’s Depth
The AFCON absences are not just a disruption; they’re a chance for United to grow depth, give promising talents meaningful minutes, and prove that the academy philosophy has a genuine pathway to the first team. Kobbie Mainoo’s potential for more consistent minutes, paired with Zirkzee’s forward flexibility and the six supporting players who can seize opportunities, could shape United’s season as much as any transfer deadline day flourish.
