LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Andre Onana is reportedly set to miss a crucial run of fixtures for Manchester United as he has agreed to serve as Cameroon’s No. 1 goalkeeper at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The former Inter goalkeeper had previously stepped away from international duty due to a dispute with Cameroon’s head coach Rigobert Song, which resulted in his exclusion from the 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar.
However, the two have since resolved their differences, leading to Onana’s reinstatement to the national team.
He recently featured in the AFCON qualifier against Burundi in September and a friendly against Senegal during the October international break.
According to reports from iNews, Onana has given his commitment to represent the Indomitable Lions at the upcoming continental tournament scheduled to begin on 13 January in Ivory Coast.
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If Cameroon perform well and advance to the final stages of AFCON, Manchester United will be without Onana’s services for several key fixtures, including four Premier League matches, two FA Cup ties, and a potential Carabao Cup semi-final.
Onana has been gradually settling into his role at his new club and made crucial saves in Manchester United’s recent Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen.
He also earned recognition when he came 23rd in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, acknowledging his outstanding performance in the previous season with Inter.
If Onana answers Song’s international call, Manchester United will rely on Altay Bayindir, the Turkish goalkeeper signed from Fenerbahce during the summer.
However, in the short term, Onana is expected to continue guarding the goal when Manchester United face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, followed by a Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday.
