05 October 2023 , 14:14
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Andre Onana's Manchester United nightmare is set to prompt another U-turn on his international career.
The 27-year-old was a much hailed signing when he arrived at Old Trafford this summer in a £38.3million deal from Inter Milan. His signing was long sought after by manager Erik ten Hag, who had previously worked with the keeper at Ajax, following the departure of David de Gea.
But thus far, Onana has appeared anything but assured at Old Trafford, making glaring errors in the Champions League defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. And he also risked the wrath of his boss by returning to the Cameroon fold to help them qualify for the AFCON, less than a year after quitting the national set-up.
Onana initially retired from duty with the Indomitable Lions after being sent home from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, following a bust-up with boss Rigobert Song. However, he made a sensational return to play in the 3-0 win over Burundi on September 12, a result which secured Cameroon a place at the Nations Cup in the Ivory Coast in January.
Explaining his decision on social media, he wrote: "I answer the call of my nation with an unshakeable certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream, but also to meet the expectation and support of Cameroonians, who deserve a national team determined to shine,"
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Were he to be selected for the tournament, he could miss as many as nine games for United. But after being called into the national squad for the October games with Russia and Senegal, is now reporting another U-turn is on the cards for the keeper.
Andre Onana reacts to the final whistle after Manchester United were beaten by GalatasarayHAVE YOUR SAY! Should Manchester United have kept David de Gea? Comment below.
Amid his struggles at United, Onana is considering again calling time on international action in order to focus on regaining his form. He is now set to hold talks with Cameroon officials before he commits himself to playing at AFCON.
But he currently faces a fight to retain his starting place at United, with Ten Hag facing calls to offer an opportunity to Altay Bayındır. The Turkish keeper was also a summer signing from Fenerbahce, but is yet to debut for the Premier League club.
Onana has conceded 11 league goals seven league games for his new club, and a further seven in two European matches. It follows a campaign where he excelled in Italy, helping Inter to the Champions League final.