Will Man United Lose Another Player To Africa Cup Of Nations?

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Wan-Bissaka Considering International Switch

Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is reportedly weighing up a potential international switch to represent DR Congo at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. According to The Athletic, Wan-Bissaka has been approached by DR Congo, a nation he previously represented at under-20 level back in 2015. He later switched to England, where he featured for the under-20 and under-21 teams, but has yet to earn a senior cap for the Three Lions despite being called up by Gareth Southgate in 2019.

With AFCON set to run from January 13 to February 11, Wan-Bissaka could miss up to four weeks of Manchester United’s season should he choose to accept DR Congo’s proposal. The 25-year-old has only recently returned from a hamstring injury, making his comeback in United’s 1-0 win against Fulham on November 4. However, he missed the subsequent 1-0 victory over Luton Town due to illness.

Wan-Bissaka is not the only United player likely to be absent during AFCON. Goalkeeper Andre Onana is expected to represent Cameroon, while Sofyan Amrabat, on loan from Fiorentina, is likely to feature for Morocco. Additionally, Hannibal Mejbri and Amad Diallo are set to join Tunisia and Ivory Coast, respectively, for the tournament.

Turkish Giants Eye Van de Beek Move

Manchester United’s activity in the upcoming January transfer window is expected to be minimal, especially with the ongoing takeover process yet to be finalised. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% stake in the club is imminent, but with the Glazers’ decision to sell now passing the one-year mark, fans are still waiting for an official announcement.

Although United had a busy summer in terms of incoming transfers, outgoing business was quieter than anticipated. One player who could be on his way out in January is Donny van de Beek. According to reports from Turkish outlet Sporx, Super Lig giants Galatasaray are preparing to enter negotiations with United over a potential deal for the Dutch midfielder.

Since his 2020 arrival from Ajax, Van de Beek has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. With 18 months left on his current contract, United are unlikely to stand in his way if a suitable offer is made. The club is expected to be reasonable with their demands, knowing that Van de Beek has been largely on the periphery of Erik ten Hag’s plans this season.

Interestingly, the timing of this news coincides with United’s upcoming trip to Turkey, where they will face Galatasaray in a must-win Champions League group stage fixture. The Reds, currently bottom of their group, need all three points from the match to maintain any hope of progressing to the knockout stages, with a win over Bayern Munich at Old Trafford also required in the final game.

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