Sad News for Onana As Man United New Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to Replace Him With Serie A Finest Goalkeeper, He will Cost Man United Just £35m
Andre Onana may not miss a single match for Manchester United during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
If Cameroon fails to go past the group round (the top two teams advance), Onana might be eligible for United’s FA Cup fourth-round match against Eastleigh or Newport on the weekend of January 27.
Erik ten Hag’s team will have a two-week winter vacation following their game against Tottenham and will not play again until the FA Cup fourth round. United’s next Premier League game is against Wolves on February 1.
Onana, who has played every minute for United this season, starting all 29 games, is slated to start the upcoming match against Tottenham. The club reached an arrangement with the Cameroonian Football Association to keep Onana until January 14, postponing his departure for international duty.
Cameroon’s AFCON campaign begins on January 15 with a Group C match against Guinea, less than 24 hours after United’s game against Spurs closes. Cameroon’s preliminary schedule concludes with group stage matches against Senegal on January 19 and Gambia on January 23.
If Cameroon advances to the AFCON final on February 13, Onana may miss up to four United games, including a key meeting against Aston Villa. Despite the Premier League’s January 1 deadline for player releases before to the competition, United has the option of fielding Onana against Tottenham.
Ange Postecoglou, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, expressed his thoughts on the topic, adding that each club has the authority to address such matters.
He emphasised the importance of following FIFA rules surrounding player representation in international events and stated his desire for the success and well-being of the players.
The circumstances surrounding Onana’s availability add a fascinating layer to United’s strategic planning, especially given the possible impact on key matchups. While some clubs meet the January 1 deadline,
United’s peculiar scenario permits them to field Onana against Spurs, demonstrating the various tactics other teams use in handling player obligations during international events.
