Onana reluctant to leave United for AFCON duty but Fifa rules mean he has no choice

Manchester United star Andre Onana has been named by Cameroon in their squad for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January 2024. 

The 27-year-old’s participation in the African tournament means he will miss Man United’s Premier League fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Aston Villa. 

This comes at a time when he has faced questions about his long-term future at United due to his poor form. 

The goalkeeper has made several high-profile errors that have cost the Red Devils, especially in the Champions League. 

Previous reports have suggested Onana has been reluctant to leave the club for a month. 

However, he doesn’t have a choice in the matter as FIFA rules mean he would be banned from playing for United if he snubbed the AFCON call-up, per The Sun. 

Onana retired from international retirement after a bust-up with manager Rigobert Song during the 2022 World Cup. 

But he reversed his decision in September and went on to be part of the national team that beat Burundi in their final qualifier match. 

The 27-year-old is now set to be absent for a month which will give Altay Bayindir, who they signed in the summer as a back-up, a huge opportunity to shine. 

If the Turkish goalkeeper impresses manager Erik ten Hag, Onana could find it difficult to regain his number one spot in the team. 

The Cameroonian came to United with a big reputation, but he has been unconvincing with his performances. 

The former Inter Milan star failed to command his box for both goals against Aston Villa in midweek.

However, a brace from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund’s first Premier League goal meant United sealed a 3-2 success at Old Trafford. 

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