André Onana has likened choosing to represent either Manchester United or Cameroon to being asked to pick your favourite parent after he finally arrived at the Africa Cup of Nations this week.
28.12.2023 - 12:13 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana will represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations next month. Onana returned to international duty earlier this year and there was uncertainty about whether he would play at AFCON, but a decision has been made and he'll play for his nation.
The tournament runs between January 13 and February 11, which means Onana could miss five games for his club depending on Cameroon's performance. The 27-year-old could be absent for United's games against Wigan in the FA Cup and Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Onana is the first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford and Altay Bayindir will be used in his absence. Bayindir joined the club from Fenerbahce in the summer but he's yet to be handed his debut.
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"I am quite comfortable with the fact," Ten Hag recently said about Onan's form. "First of all, Andre Onana, in the Premier League has performed very well, and at Anfield, it was a great performance from him.
"When he is going there [AFCON], I think we have a strong couple of keepers with Bayindir and Tom Heaton so we are comfortable. Of course, we are hoping Onana is available as much as possible. But if not, we have two good keepers who can replace him."
Onana made his debut for Cameroon in 2016 and he featured at AFCON 2021. The 'keeper made a crucial save on penalties to ensure his side secured a third-place finish at the tournament.
He started as Cameroon's first-choice at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but eventually withdrew from the squad after a fallout. He has since returned to the national team fold.
André Onana has likened choosing to represent either Manchester United or Cameroon to being asked to pick your favourite parent after he finally arrived at the Africa Cup of Nations this week.
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