While it has not been officially announced, Onana’s inclusion on Cameroon’s tournament roster appears highly probable.
If his nation makes it to the final on February 11th, he might miss as many as six games due to this, including two crucial matches against Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Despite starting every game for United this season, the goalkeeper’s £47 million transfer from Inter Milan last summer has been a bust.
The 27-year-old had several slip-ups, but his performance in the Champions League was a major factor in Manchester United’s humiliating elimination from the competition.
However, Altay Bayindir, his No. 2 who moved to Old Trafford from Fenerbahce last summer, has not yet made his debut, so his qualities remain uncertain.
Another option is veteran Tom Heaton, who has a wealth of experience and was formerly a star for Burnley. However, at 37 years old, Heaton has undoubtedly seen better days.
In his pre-match press conference before of United’s trip to West Ham on Saturday, Ten Hag addressed the topic, demonstrating that he had no such fears.
With Bayindir and Tom Heaton as our goalkeepers, we will be well-prepared for Onana’s departure to AFCON, according to the boss.
We would greatly like it if Andre could be available more often, but if that isn’t possible, we have two capable goalkeepers on hand.
Because of his history of quitting international duty after a rift with Cameroon leader Rigobert Song at the 2022 World Cup, Onana’s attendance at AFCON is far from guaranteed.
He made a triumphant comeback to the fold earlier this year, but rumors have it that he is reluctant to participate in the tournament for fear of being benched from United’s starting lineup.
The deadline for submitting squads for the Ivory Coast event is January 3rd, and according to FIFA regulations, players who are called up are required to report for duty.
Ten Hag continued by saying that United and Onana are still in discussions until Cameroon announces their roster, and he said, “If they call him up, you know the regulations.”
United may also send Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia) to the African Cup of Nations.