Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana could miss four weeks of action due to his selection for Cameroon’s African Cup of Nations squad.
The Red Devils’ first-choice goalkeeper’s tenure at Old Trafford got off to a rocky start. It had therefore been speculated that he would remain in Manchester to raise the standards of his performance.
During the Champions League matches against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, Onana made several glaring errors. His mistakes were a major factor in the team’s elimination from the tournament during the group round.
In addition, he has been guilty of several goals conceded in the Premier League. Of late, the 27-year-old has shown greater confidence and put in more reliable performances.
But the Boxing Day comeback against Aston Villa was another game in which he was inadequate. Staying anxiously on his line, he let John McGinn’s cross enter the goal unchallenged.
After 19 Premier League games, United have won 10 and lost eight, putting them in sixth place. They will also lose their main goalkeeper in January, which is a big setback as they have some crucial games ahead of them.
How many games will Onana miss for United?
While playing for Cameroon at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Onana argued with coach Rigobert Song. He had prompted him to withdraw from international action.
Their strained relationship has now healed and the goalkeeper has been instrumental in the team’s success in AFCON qualifying matches. The goalkeeper will now be one of 27 Cameroon players competing in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) starting on January 13.
At least four of Manchester United’s Premier League games next month will be without Onana. These include games against Aston Villa away from home, West Ham at Old Trafford, Wolves at Molineux and Tottenham at home.
If he is called up to join a pre-tournament camp for Cameroon, he may miss United’s FA Cup third round match against Wigan on January 8. Furthermore, if the Red Devils advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup, which could be held on January 27 and 28, he will not be able to play.
To take part in the FA Cup trip to Wigan, the 27-year-old asked his country to postpone their AFCON call-up. On January 9, a friendly match between Cameroon and Zambia will be played in Saudi Arabia.
Their tournament campaign will begin on January 15 in Guinea, Ivory Coast. The goalkeeper, however, is eager to feature in United’s FA Cup third-round match on January 8, ESPN reports.
Who will replace Onana after the launch of AFCON?
Without the goalkeeper, Erik ten Hag must now come up with a plan to deal with the situation. With Onana accepting a call-up from Cameroon, United will have to rely on summer signing Altay Bayindir, who is yet to play a game.
Since the Turkish goalkeeper joined in the summer transfer window, the management has decided not to give him his debut. Bayindir is the coach’s second option. This means that the goalkeeper will have to take his place during the Cameroonian’s absence.
The Red Devils would like to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive. Thus, this is the moment in which the 25-year-old’s ability and calmness are put to the test.
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