Manchester United have an unavoidable problem with their new world-class partnership
Man Utd have a new world-class partnership that has been at the heart of their recent resurgence.
There have been a lot of things to like about Manchester United in recent weeks that have contributed to their resurgence under Ruben Amorim. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are ideal additions in attack, Casemiro looks back to his best in central midfield and Senne Lammens has brought authority to the backline with his confidence in goal.
Another key reason has been the partnership of Mbeumo and Amad Diallo on the right flank. Ever since he arrived, Amorim has viewed Amad as his ideal option at right wing-back, but it has taken some time for him to become the 'perfect' player for the role this season.
The Ivorian winger is still learning on the job and has to improve defensively if he is to become the ideal long-term solution, but he has benefited enormously from playing alongside Mbeumo in attack. They are very similar players with their preference to cut inside on their dominant left foot, and both fully understand what the other likes and doesn't like.
When they are in full flow, Mbeumo and Amad are a nightmare for any defence, through a combination of their elite movement, trickery and creative threat. They each have the individual talent to carve open a backline on their own and score a goal out of nowhere, but are even more dangerous when they combine to double up against opponents.
Amorim's tactical approach is so heavily reliant on wing-backs that they have to be star performers on a weekly basis, and it is no coincidence that when Amad plays well, the entire team tends to perform better as well. The recent wins have showcased the huge potential for their formation to work, though any progress will soon be halted, and there is nothing United can do about it.
The Africa Cup of Nations was originally scheduled for this summer but was rearranged in order to squeeze the controversial Club World Cup into the football calendar. It means Mbeumo and Amad will be two of the Premier League stars representing their respective nations during the festive period, and therefore unavailable for United.
The tournament begins on 21 December when hosts Morocco take on Comoros, with the final set to be played on 18 January. It means Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui could all miss the away trip to face Aston Villa on 21 Dec as well as the home matches against Newcastle and Wolves over Christmas.
Those who reach the knockout stages could also miss away trips against Leeds United and Burnley in early January and the FA Cup third round tie later in the month. Those who reach the AFCON final would also miss the Manchester derby against Man City that same weekend. It means United could be without their world-class partnership for as many as seven matches.
Amorim might selfishly hope to have them back sooner rather than later, but it is a testament to their talents that worst-case scenario doesn't seem unlikely. United have a world-class partnership in making; they will have to make do without it soon.
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