For being selected by Cameroon ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) starting January 2024, Andre Onana is likely leaving Manchester United without their No.1 goalkeeper.
The former Ajax shot-stopper, Onana has featured in every vying game after entering United from Inter Milan in a £47million transfer deal. The Red Devils had hoped that he would be available while AFCON is played from January 12 to February 13 after announcing his retirement from international football last year.
However, the 27-year-old later made a U-turn, representing Cameroon in September amid his ongoing struggles at United. Manager Erik ten Hag – who coached him at Ajax – has kept faith, not even giving backup Altay Bayindir a single minute of football so far this term.
Nevertheless, Turkey international Bayindir is set to make his bow next month, starting with the Red Devils’ home game against Tottenham on Sunday, January 14. The goalkeeper was signed from Turkish giants Fenerbahce for £4.3m in September.
While it’s understood that United trust Bayindir to cover in Onana’s absence, a new goalkeeper could be signed in January on a short-term basis. The Red Devils have been reluctant to use veteran Tom Heaton as a No.2 since he returned to the club in 2021.
The Mirror understands that Onana could reject the call-up, however, particularly due to his strained relationship with Samuel Eto’o, who’s the president of the Cameroon Football Federation. Ten Hag confirmed that United and the CFF were in talks earlier this month.
“When they call him, he has to go,” the Dutchman added.
Former Red Devils midfielder and ex-Cameroon international Eric Djemba-Djemba recently told BBC Sport: “One of the problems for him is even if he plays well over the next month, he then goes away for a month to AFCON. He knows if he goes, maybe he will lose his place at Manchester United. He has to decide what is best for him. He just needs to do what is best for his career.
“When you come to Manchester United, they don’t give you time. Only one or two goalkeepers for Manchester City have played like that. They have a coach like Pep Guardiola – he likes the keeper to evolve and play with their feet. At Manchester United, if you are a good goalkeeper with your hands, they will buy you. They don’t care if you don’t play with your feet,” he added.
After his recall to the Cameroon squad earlier this year, manager Rigobert Song explained: “It all depended on him. He knew what he had to do. If he’s on the list, it’s because he did the right thing. He’s one of the best goalkeepers, the door was always open. There was never a problem with Andre. Today, we are satisfied that he is reunited with the group.”
