In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana has officially been called up to represent the Cameroon National Team in the upcoming AFCON 2024 tournament. This means the talented shot-stopper will be absent from the Red Devils’ lineup for approximately five weeks, starting around January 13. Despite some struggles in his debut season with Manchester United, Onana has consistently been favored by manager Erik ten Hag, starting in both domestic cup matches and crucial Premier League encounters.
Onana’s inclusion in the starting XI for the recent FA Cup tie against Wigan, even after being given permission to join the Cameroon squad later than scheduled, raises questions about the manager’s confidence in the ÂŁ47 million ($60m) goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir, who signed with Manchester United from Fenerbahce five months ago, is still awaiting his debut. With Onana’s AFCON commitments, Bayindir may finally get his chance to prove his worth when Manchester United faces an FA Cup fourth-round clash on January 27.
The decision to persist with Onana, despite his struggles and the imminent debut of Bayindir, adds an intriguing subplot to Manchester United’s season. The coming weeks will be crucial for both goalkeepers, as Onana aims to make a significant impact for Cameroon in the AFCON, while Bayindir hopes to seize the opportunity to establish himself as a reliable option for Manchester United in the absence of the experienced Dutchman. As the drama unfolds, fans eagerly await the developments in the goalkeeping department at Old Trafford.
In the midst of Onana’s international duty, Manchester United supporters will be keenly observing Bayindir’s performances and hoping for a successful integration into the team. The outcome of Cameroon’s AFCON journey will also play a pivotal role in determining when Bayindir might make his Premier League debut, with the possibility of facing tough opponents like Wolves, West Ham, and Aston Villa if the national team progresses to the AFCON final on February 11.
