19 December 2023 , 19:57
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Andre Onana has been told to "be careful" as he weighs up snubbing the Africa Cup of Nations to salvage his Manchester United career - a decision that could see him hit with a ban.
Former Man United star Eric Djemba-Djemba has told the shot-stopper he has to make a decision that is right for him, with reports suggesting the Cameroonian could remain in the UK during the tournament.
Onana has dropped several clangers following his summer move to Old Trafford from Inter Milan and is keen to knuckle down at Old Trafford to retain his place between the sticks, but his plan could backfire on him due to FIFA regulations.
The Rules state: "A player who has been called up by his association for one of its representative teams is, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant association, not entitled to play for the club with which he is registered during the period for which he has been released or should have been released… plus an additional period of five days."
Djemba-Djemba has offered his view on Onana's decision and told the goalkeeper to think carefully. "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," the former midfielder told BBC Sport Africa.
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"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.
"I don't know what he is thinking, what he wants to do," the 42-year-old added. "I'm not a selfish man - I will not say to him 'Go to play for Cameroon' because if I say that it means I don't care about his career for his club. He has to decide what is best for him."
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Onana's performances since his arrival have seen the Red Devils concede a huge amount of goals. Despite claiming eight clean sheets so far in all competitions, the 27-year-old has already conceded an eye-watering 39 goals in just 25 games.
Djemba-Djemba has suggested that he is now open to more criticism being at Old Trafford and suggested that he should keep his game simple to avoid any unwarranted errors. He said: "Onana has been criticised because it's a big team. Manchester United is like that. When the team is not good enough, as a goalkeeper, you need to be careful. You don't need to take any risks."
Onana will be back in action this weekend as the Red Devils go in search of their first victory in four Premier League games. Erik ten Hag’s side travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham. Onana managed to keep a clean sheet in his last league outing with the 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.