Manchester United are expressing frustration towards Morocco after the national team declined to release Noussair Mazraoui for their match against Bournemouth, as reported by ESPN sources.
FIFA guidelines state that clubs must release players selected for the Africa Cup of Nations at least seven days before each nation’s first game, starting December 15.
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Morocco, the tournament hosts, are scheduled to begin their campaign against Comoros on December 21, meaning Mazraoui could have participated against Bournemouth if the match had taken place on Saturday as originally planned.
However, the match was rescheduled to a Monday night broadcast slot, falling within FIFA’s player release period.
ESPN sources indicate that United had anticipated having Mazraoui available for the match and sought assistance from FIFA after Morocco initially denied their request.
FIFA ultimately backed Morocco’s stance, reinforcing the release period that starts on December 15.
United officials expressed their belief that the club has been unfairly impacted by the rescheduling of the Bournemouth match— a situation beyond their control—which has led Morocco to prioritize training over a significant Premier League game.
Sources tell ESPN that Mazraoui conducted himself professionally throughout this situation, training with Ruben Amorim’s squad the entire week before departing for international duty late Sunday.
With Mazraoui unavailable and defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire injured, Amorim was compelled to use a makeshift defense against Bournemouth, including young talents Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
The match ended in a high-scoring 4-4 draw.
Additionally, ESPN has reported that both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo were permitted to participate against Bournemouth after constructive discussions between United and the Cameroon and Ivory Coast federations.
The two players are now expected to miss Sunday’s match at Aston Villa and Newcastle’s visit to Old Trafford on December 26.