Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has been named in Cameroon’s 27-player squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Onana had previously retired from international duty last year due to a dispute with Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), during the World Cup in Qatar.
Erik ten Hag stated earlier this month that Manchester United is “in talks” to allow Onana to participate in AFCON, emphasizing that “he has to go” if called up.
Despite being included in the squad, it remains uncertain whether Onana will opt to represent his country.
TalkFooty earlier reported that he has yet to make a final decision regarding his involvement in the tournament scheduled from January 13 to February 11 next year.
Sources close to Onana have previously hinted that his reluctance to represent his country is tied to a strained relationship with Eto’o.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old did feature in Cameroon’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mauritius last month.
Despite FIFA’s regulations, which typically require players to “respond affirmatively” to national team call-ups, Onana’s situation presents a unique challenge. The rules don’t seem to address cases where a player has explicitly communicated their desire to no longer be selected at the international level but is still called up.
Manchester United has emphasized its support for Onana in whatever decision he makes. Discussions with Cameroon, as mentioned by Ten Hag, aim to align all parties and establish a clear understanding of each other’s perspectives.
If Onana decides to participate in AFCON, he is expected to miss at least four Premier League matches, including home fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, as well as away games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa. His potential involvement in the FA Cup third-round tie against Wigan Athletic on January 8 appears unlikely.
Furthermore, his commitment to AFCON could raise questions about his availability for an FA Cup fourth-round tie on the weekend of January 27-28, should Manchester United progress.
Onana, who has played in 27 matches across all competitions for United this season, is set to be in action this Saturday against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
LISTEN TO FOOTBALL PODCAST
