Following clearance to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Andre Onana is set to join the tournament immediately after Manchester United's clash with Tottenham on the upcoming Sunday. Cameroon has granted the goalkeeper delayed release for the competition.
Cameroon is scheduled to play against Guinea in Ivory Coast on Monday, January 15, just a day after United's match with Spurs at Old Trafford. This arrangement presents the possibility of Onana playing two matches within a 24-hour span if selected by his country.
United engaged in discussions with the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) to postpone Onana's release, enabling his participation in the FA Cup third-round fixture against Wigan Athletic on Monday and the subsequent Premier League encounter against Tottenham at home six days later.
Onana had previously withdrawn from international football after a dispute with coach Rigobert Song and Fecafoot president Samuel Eto'o, resulting in his exclusion from the World Cup in Qatar in November 2022. United, unaware of the impending AFCON commitment, signed Onana from Inter Milan for £47.2 million in July.
The Cameroon federation, showing understanding of United's predicament, agreed to Onana's delayed release during positive discussions with the club. Erik ten Hag, United's manager, expressed appreciation for the amicable talks, which coincided with his meeting with incoming minority shareholder Jim Ratcliffe.
Onana, mindful of the impact on his turbulent debut season with United, had reservations about participating in AFCON. Despite Ten Hag's support amid occasional errors and unconvincing performances, Onana feared the challenge of reclaiming his starting position upon his return from the tournament.
The AFCON final, scheduled for February 11, coincides with United's Premier League clash against Aston Villa. Onana may miss up to four matches, including potential FA Cup fourth-round games against Wigan, Wolves, and West Ham.
In Onana's absence, Ten Hag is likely to rely on Altay Bayindir or Tom Heaton, with Bayindir yet to make an appearance for the club.
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