Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim addressed the media ahead of his side’s upcoming clash with Everton.

United enter the match sitting seventh in the Premier League, just two points behind third-placed Chelsea and level with Liverpool. The Red Devils have been strong at Old Trafford so far, winning four of their five home league fixtures, and will look to continue that form on Monday night.

Šeško sidelined

Amorim opened his press conference by confirming that Benjamin Šeško will be unavailable for several weeks.

“He will be out for a few weeks. I’m not sure exactly how long, but it isn’t anything too serious,” Amorim explained. “We need to be cautious with him. He’s improving, he’s feeling better, and I expect to have Ben back in a few weeks.”

The manager then provided updates on Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo.

“Maguire is not ready. Kobbie didn’t train today, but we’ll see how he is tomorrow.”

AFCON concerns

Attention soon shifted to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which begins next month. Players can be called up as early as two weeks before the tournament, meaning United are set to lose Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo for a significant spell.

“We have rules about when we must release the players,” Amorim said. “We’re trying to keep them a little longer, but ultimately it’s not in our control. They will leave two weeks before the competition.”

Despite the disruption, he stressed that the situation could open the door for others.

“There is an opportunity for other players. We also have the under-21s. We’ll see what happens, but of course it’s not ideal because those players are very important for us, and we don’t have a large squad.”

One year in charge

Amorim also reflected on reaching his one-year anniversary as United’s manager, admitting the early months were challenging.

“Everything moved very fast. In my first match I immediately felt how different the Premier League environment was,” he said. “There was a sense that this is the best league in the world, and maybe the best club in the world—but also that it’s a massive job and would demand a lot of work.”