Andre Onana has been called into the Cameroon squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Picture: Getty0
Manchester United will have to cope without Andre Onana for at least four games after he was included in Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The summer signing from Inter called time on his international career following last year’s World Cup, but recently performed a U-turn and was back in action for his country in September.
Despite a number of high-profile errors, Onana has played every game for United so far this season, with Erik ten Hag reluctant to give Altay Bayindir, another close season purchase, a chance to impress, even in the Carabao Cup.
The 25-year-old is finally set to make his debut next month, however, while Onana is in action for the Indomitable Lions.
Cameroon have been drawn in a tough looking group alongside defending champions Senegal, as well as Guinea and Gambia.
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The tournament, which is being held in Ivory Coast, runs between January 13 and February 11 meaning Onana will miss games against Tottenham, Wolves, Aston Villa and West Ham should his side reach the latter stages of the competition.
Onana could also miss the FA Cup tie against Wigan on January 8 should be called-up to a pre-tournament training camp, while he would also miss the fourth round, slated for the weekend of January 27, should United beat the Latics.
Speaking earlier this month about his group of senior goalkeepers, which also includes the veteran Tom Heaton, Ten Hag maintained he has full faith in Bayindir.
‘We are very happy with our keeper group,’ Ten Hag stressed. ‘Andre, Altay, Tom (Heaton), as a group they do really well, they have good performances and they have to push each other.
‘We are very pleased with Altay. He gets used to Premier League, he gets used to European football, which is tough when you are coming from Turkey but we are very pleased with the process. He is doing very well.
‘He has to be patient but if he works well, if he keeps his progress, he will get his chances and he has to take this.’
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Erik ten Hag will have to rely on his No.2.