Andre Onana performs U-turn on AFCON decision after private Man Utd talks

09 January 2024 , 19:11

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Andre Onana has further committed himself to Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

Andre Onana has decided to MISS Cameroon's crucial opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations after prioritising his future at Manchester United.

Onana, 27, has delayed linking up with his international teammates to remain at Old Trafford far longer than a host of other Premier League players who'll represent their nations at AFCON next week. The Red Devils goalkeeper kept a clean sheet as United breezed past League One side Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup third round on Monday, comfortably winning 2-0.

Onana, who was signed for £47million from Italian heavyweights Inter Milan last July, came out of international retirement for Cameroon's September round of fixtures and was previously set to feature in their Group C opener against Guinea next Monday, which comes just over 24 hours after the Red Devils host Tottenham.

Now, though, after talks between United and the Cameroonian FA, the i newspaper is reporting that Onana will remain in England to face Spurs and as a result not be available for his nation's hotly-anticipated clash with Guinea in the Ivory Coast. The 27-year-old had thought it was possible to play in both matches but the tight timeframe has seen his chances scuppered and left him with a choice to make.

Onana is said to fear that if he gives backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir the chance to impress manager Erik ten Hag, then he may not regain his place. Bayindir, 25, joined the Red Devils from Turkish giants Fenerbahce in September but is yet to make his debut, with Onana playing every minute of the season so far - despite failing to convince supporters that he's at the level required.

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Last year's Champions League finalist, whose Inter side lost 1-0 to Manchester City, has made a series of high-profile errors since signing for United. Ten Hag has continued to back him, though, and hinted at Onana's availability for the Tottenham game last week.

"We're talking with the Cameroon confederation [about Onana]," the Red Devils boss explained. "It was an issue during the talks with Andre when he came in here. It's constructive."

Your turn! Should Andre Onana already be with Cameroon instead? Give us your verdict in the comments section.

Andre Onana came out of international retirement earlier this year (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

The i adds that Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto'o, believed to have been part of Onana's decision to retire internationally during the 2022 World Cup, accepts the situation. It might turn out the former Ajax goalkeeper doesn't miss a single match at club level.

Should Cameroon be eliminated from their group containing Guinea, reigning champions Senegal and Gambia, Onana could be back in time for United's FA Cup clash away to either Eastleigh or Newport County in the fourth round.

Nathan Ridley