Andre Onana ‘could pull out of the Africa Cup of Nations to protect his No1 spot at Man United’… after the goalkeeper’s nightmare start to life at Old Trafford
- Andre Onana has endured a nightmare start to his first season at Man United
- He could reportedly withdraw from AFCON in a bid to retain the No. 1 jersey
- Andre Onana’s place as Man United’s number 1 is in doubt. Listen to It all starts
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana could opt out of the Africa Cup of Nations in January to protect his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, according to reports.
Onana was expected to represent Cameroon at the tournament which runs from January 13 to February 11, which could see him miss up to six United matches.
But after a terrible start to life at Old Trafford, he may turn his back on playing for his country in a bid to ensure he retains his number 1 jersey at club level, as reported by The sun.
Mail Sport revealed earlier today that Onana is ‘a bit nervous’ about losing his place after a nightmare night on Wednesday when he conceded two Hakim Ziyech free-kicks that he had expected to save in United’s 3-3 draw with Galatasaray.
The £47million summer signing has had a particularly difficult time in Europe this season, making a series of mistakes, and the Red Devils now face an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Andre Onana could reportedly decide not to play for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations
Man United goalkeeper fears he will lose his place in Erik ten Hag’s squad if he goes to the tournament in January
Ten Hag refused to blame any individual after the disappointing draw in Turkey, but did hint that Onana’s place could be in jeopardy when he suggested fellow United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could soon be given game time.
‘We are satisfied with the goalkeeping group. They have to push each other,” said Ten Hag.
‘We are very happy with Altay who is doing very well, he just needs to be patient.
‘If he works well and makes progress he will get his chance and he should take it.’
Ten Hag has hinted he is considering a goal change after United’s 3-3 draw against Galatasaray
Altay Bayindir could soon get a chance to impress, but Onana is determined to hold on to his number 1 spot
Ten Hag may have been looking ahead to January, when Onana would leave for Ivory Coast to play for Cameroon, but it appears that the 27-year-old does not want to give Bayindir a chance to impress.
Onana now faces a big decision on whether he will prioritize Cameroon or United. When he joined United this summer, Onana’s international days seemed to be over after he was sent home early from last year’s World Cup following a disagreement with manager Rigobert Song.
But the duo have since resolved their differences and Onana has regained his place as Cameroon’s No. 1.
Executing a last-minute U-turn would not go down well with Song and his Cameroon teammates, but Onana may feel it is necessary to keep his long-term United future in his own hands.
