Manchester United Handed Huge Boost as AFCON Star Bryan Mbeumo Returns Early After Cameroon Knockout by Club Team-Mate Noussair Mazraou

Manchester United have received a timely squad reinforcement with forward **Bryan Mbeumo** set to return to Carrington this weekend following Cameroon's quarter-final exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), providing a major lift ahead of the highly anticipated Manchester derby on January 17.

Here are key images capturing the dramatic AFCON clash and Mbeumo in United colors:

The 26-year-old, who has netted six Premier League goals in his debut season at Old Trafford after joining from Brentford, started for Cameroon in Friday night's 2-0 defeat to hosts Morocco at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat. Goals from Brahim Diaz (26') and Ismael Saibari (74') sealed the win for Morocco, whose squad includes United defender **Noussair Mazraoui**. While Mazraoui's progression means he remains unavailable until at least late next week, Mbeumo's early return offers manager Darren Fletcher — currently in interim charge following the sacking of Ruben Amorim — a crucial attacking option.

Interim boss Fletcher confirmed Mbeumo will miss Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion due to the tight turnaround but should be fully available for the Premier League showdown against Manchester City at Old Trafford the following Saturday. "Bryan will be a welcome addition back in training this week," Fletcher noted. "His goals and creativity have been missed, especially during this challenging period."

Here are standout shots of the Old Trafford atmosphere ahead of the Manchester derby:

Mbeumo's return comes at a pivotal moment for United, who have navigated injuries, international absences (including Amad Diallo still at AFCON with Ivory Coast), and managerial uncertainty. The forward's pace, left-footed threat from the right wing, and goal-scoring form make him a potential game-changer as the club aims to reverse their earlier 3-0 loss to City this season.

Fans and pundits alike see the boost as a silver lining amid recent turbulence, with Mbeumo expected to slot straight back into the starting XI for the derby.