Manchester United Aims to Postpone Andre Onana’s AFCON Departure

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Manchester United is optimistic about having Andre Onana for their match against Tottenham Hotspur before he joins Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite retiring from international duty last year, Onana returned for Cameroon’s September internationals and is part of their AFCON squad.

While nations can call up players from January 1, United obtained permission to include Onana in the FA Cup third round against Wigan Athletic on January 8.

Now, reports suggest United is working to retain Onana for the crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham on January 14, just a day before Cameroon’s AFCON campaign commences. (Daily Mail)

Cameroon is set to begin their AFCON group stage against Guinea, represented by United’s striker target Serhou Guirassy, on January 15. Following this, they face reigning champions Senegal on January 19 and Gambia on January 23.

The strategy involves Andre Onana leaving Old Trafford immediately after the Spurs match on January 14, taking a seven-hour flight to join Cameroon’s camp in the Ivory Coast. He would then be available for their match against Guinea starting at 5 pm the following afternoon.

If Cameroon advances, there’s a chance Onana might not miss any United games, as he could potentially return for an FA Cup fourth-round tie on January 27/28 or the Premier League match against Wolves on February 1, provided Cameroon’s last group-stage match is against Gambia on January 23.

In Onana’s absence, United is expected to rely on summer signing Altay Bayindir, who is yet to make his debut since joining from Fenerbahce.

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