Man Utd make breakthrough in Onana talks as fresh AFCON absence plan emerges

02 January 2024 , 15:46

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Man Utd make breakthrough in Onana talks as fresh AFCON absence plan emerges

Manchester United are hoping to delay Andre Onana's Africa Cup of Nations departure - and have held talks with Cameroon.

The goalkeeper is due to be in between the sticks for his country's tournament opener against Guinea in Group C at 5pm on January 15. However United want him to feature in their clash with Tottenham at Old Trafford on January 14 before jetting off.

Premier League clubs were obliged to release their players for AFCON duty on January 1, but Onana will be available to Erik ten Hag when he picks his team for Monday's FA Cup third-round tie at Wigan. The Daily Mail, though, have claimed that discussions are ongoing to further extend that period.

It could mean Onana plays for United against Tottenham on the Sunday in a 4.30pm kick-off before taking a seven hour flight to Africa, which would leave him in a race against time to play for his country, who start at 5pm the following day.

Cameroon's final group game is against Gambia is on January 23 and should they be eliminated Onana could return without missing a single game for his club. If Cameroon, who are among the favourites for the tournament, make it to the final on February 11 then Onana could be absent for up to four matches.

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United's No 1 does have concerns that he could end up losing his place to Altay Bayindir, a summer signing who is currently his understudy. Onana though has no choice put to jet off and represent his country as per FIFA's rules.

Andre Onana's departure date has not yet been finalised (Ash Donelon/Manchester United FC)

The 27-year-old came out of international retirement in September having previously called time on his Cameroon days amid a clash with his manager at the World Cup. There are still thought to be issues with Cameroon football federation president Samuel Eto'o.

Onana voiced his frustration over the style of play implemented with the former Inter Milan star keen to be more involved in the build-up play. He was involved in a dispute with coach Rigobert Song with Onana claiming he had put "all my efforts and energy into finding solutions" but that "there has been no will on the other side."

Since moving to United as David de Gea's replacement Onana has largely underwhelmed. He was signed, in part, for his ability to play out, but he's made several errors leading to goals with Ten Hag's side in the midst one of the club's worst campaigns for decades.

Samuel Meade