Manchester United angry with Morocco for refusing to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth

Manchester United have been left angry by Morocco after they refused to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth on Monday.

FIFA announced earlier this month that clubs need to release players for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 15 December, instead of 14 days before the tournament.

While Cameroon and Ivory Coast allowed Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to stay for Monday’s match, Morocco turned down United’s plea for Mazraoui.

ESPN report the Red Devils expected to have the 28-year-old available and escalated the issue to FIFA after their initial request was rejected.

But the world football’s governing body did not force Morocco , who host the African tournament and play their opening match against Comoros on 21 December, to back down.

United were left angry that the Atlas Lions prioritised a training session over an important Premier League game.

In the absence of Mazraoui and injured centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, manager Ruben Amorim was forced to feature Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw in a back three.

But the trio endured a difficult outing against Bournemouth as they conceded four goals to play out a thrilling 4-4 draw .

Despite the stalemate, United are sitting sixth in the Premier League ahead of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

The Manchester titans now face Aston Villa in a tricky away fixture at Villa Park.

Villa are flying high under Unai Emery at the moment, with the Midlands side winning nine of their previous 10 top-flight matches.