Andre Onana Called up for Cameroon Squad, Set to Miss Crucial Period for Manchester United. Goalkeeper Andre Onana has received a call-up to the Cameroon squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on January 13 and concludes on February 11. This means Onana is expected to be absent for at least one match against Tottenham Hotspur and potentially up to six games, depending on Cameroon’s progress in the tournament.

In Onana’s absence, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will rely on summer signing Altay Bayindir, who joined the club from Fenerbahce for £4.3 million but has yet to make an appearance for the team. Another alternative option is veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who also joined Manchester United in 2021 but has yet to feature for the club.

Onana, who arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax and Inter Milan, has had a challenging start to his Manchester United career, making several mistakes leading to goals. Fans have mixed views on his unavailability, with some seeing it as an advantage for Manchester United, while others believe it’s an opportunity for Bayindir to showcase his abilities.

Onana’s absence could impact Manchester United’s fixtures, including an FA Cup match against Wigan on January 8 and Premier League games against Tottenham on January 14, Wolves on February 1, West Ham on February 4, and Aston Villa on February 11.

Initially, Ten Hag was uncertain about losing Onana to the Africa Cup of Nations, as the goalkeeper had previously retired from international duty after the 2022 World Cup due to a dispute with manager Rigobert Song. However, Onana reversed his decision and returned to the national team fold in August this year.

Cameroon’s first match in the tournament is against Guinea on January 15, followed by games against Senegal and Gambia in the group stage on January 19 and January 23, respectively.