Ruben Amorim admitted that his Manchester United side could struggle when Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo play in the Africa Cup of Nations later this season.

The competition, which will be hosted by Morocco, is set to get underway on December 21 before the final takes place on January 18.

Both Mbeumo's Cameroon and Diallo's Ivory Coast qualified for the tournament, while Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui could also be absent.

Mbeumo has scored four goals, including his brace last time out against Brighton, and provided one assist in the Premier League this season, while Diallo has played alongside him on the right in the wing-back role.

Although Amorim believes United could find it difficult to cope during the AFCON period, he is focused on the games ahead, starting with a trip to Nottingham Forest.

"We will have time to suffer. We are going to struggle a little bit, but we already knew it's going to be an opportunity," said Amorim.

"When I watch the training, there are players that should be playing, but it's hard with one game to take some players from the team, because they are doing well also during the training in games. So other players are going to have the opportunity to help us.

"They are understanding the way we want to play, so if we are improving on that, the change of characteristics is not going to change the idea or the momentum of the team. But let's use Amad and Bryan in these games, and we will see in general."

Saturday's match against Forest will also mark one year since Amorim was appointed as United's head coach.

And despite a turbulent few months at the helm, the Portuguese coach hopes he can continue in the role for years to come.

"It was a journey – a big journey," added Amorim.

"It was really tough, good moments and bad moments. I learned a lot. I found that even in lower moments, I can stick with the things I believe.

"Now, the answer is better than three weeks ago. It's one of the biggest honours of my life. I want to stay here for many years."