When Andre Onana could return to Manchester United as Cameroon secure dramatic AFCON win
23.01.2024 - 22:27
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Andre Onana's Manchester United return will be delayed after Cameroon secured a dramatic victory to qualify for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 27-year-old did not start his country's thrilling 3-2 win over Gambia on Tuesday after being dropped in favour of his cousin Fabrice Ondoa. But the United goalkeeper is now set to stay with his national team for a little while longer.
Cameroon secured their place in the last 16 after Christopher Wooh's stoppage-time goal won a dramatic contest in the Ivory Coast. They will now face Nigeria on Saturday, January 27 for a place in the last eight.
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Cameroon's progress will rule Onana out of United's FA Cup tie at Newport on Sunday. He could in theory return for the trip to Wolves on Thursday, February 1 if the Indomitable Lions are knocked out this weekend.
If Cameroon beat Nigeria their quarter-final would take place on February 2, the day after United's game against Gary O'Neil's side. His next potential availability would then be for the fixture against West Ham on Sunday, February 4, although that is a tight turnaround.
Cameroon could face a semi-final on February 7 with the final four days later. If they were to go all the way then Onana would be absent until after United's trip to Aston Villa on February 11.
Onana's demotion to the bench for Cameroon is in stark contrast to his first season at United. Manager Erik ten Hag, who worked with Onana at Ajax, has started the 27-year-old in every game so far in 2023/24 but he will now have to rely on backup keeper Altay Bayindir or