Manchester United’s manager, Erik Ten Hag, is facing yet another challenge as Cameroon secured their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations this week.
This development could potentially sideline the Red Devils’ first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana, for a significant portion of the New Year, approximately seven games.
Onana, a £43.8 million summer acquisition from Inter Milan, had previously declared his intention to return to international duty for Cameroon’s critical final qualifier against Burundi. Now, the 27-year-old goalkeeper is anticipated to participate in the AFCON tournament taking place in the Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.
Ten Hag must grapple with this situation as Onana had initially retired from international football when he was designated as the successor to David de Gea.
Discussions between the two are planned in the upcoming weeks to determine Onana’s plans.
If he does participate in the tournament in Africa, Ten Hag will have limited goalkeeper options, primarily relying on the recent £4.3 million signing Altay Bayindir from Turkey and the experienced 37-year-old Tom Heaton.
Additionally, Sofyan Amrabat, the midfielder signed on deadline day, is expected to represent Morocco in the tournament, having secured qualification back in March.
Furthermore, two other players from United’s roster, winger Amad Diallo and midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, will be representing Ivory Coast and Tunisia, respectively, in the finals.
Despite recent challenges, it’s worth noting that both Antony and Jadon Sancho have been included in Manchester United’s Premier League squad for the season.
André Onana
André Onana
This season he played in total 4 times for 360 minutes for Premier League.
He made 14 saves and conceded 5 goals. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 11th in Premier League. In the last match Manchester United lost 3-1 against Arsenal. The next match in Premier League will be against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Manchester United performance and stats
Manchester United is currently 11th in the Premier League with 6 points.
In the last 4 games, it has won twice and lost twice. In its last match, Manchester United lost 3-1 against Arsenal.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 5 goals and conceding 7.
Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 16th of September in Manchester. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.