Manchester United are grappling with a delicate goalkeeping situation as their first-choice shot-stopper André Onana nears international return.
United broke the bank to price Onana away from Champions League finalists Inter Milan in a £47.2m deal to take care of their goal after letting go of David De Gea who had served them since 2011.
Onana nears international return
The 27-year-old goalkeeper hung his gloves after he was sent home for clashing with Indomitable Lions head coach Rigobert Song at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
According to multiple media outlets in his home country, the Cameroonian government has taken up the matter to persuade Onana to rescind his decision and could make his return as early as next month, September 2023.
“The love he has above all for his country will probably lead him to accept this outstretched hand from the Government,” Cameroon football outlet Foot Azimuts quotes a source close to Onana.
Cameroon need a win at home to Burundi in their final group match on September 12 to qualify for the AFCON finals. Onana may earn his 35th cap in this match.
Onana’s international return a setback for Onana
The record English champions may now be forced to do without their pricey asset. If Onana dons Cameroon colours on the pitch this year and Cameroon qualify, then it is obvious he will be at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
The 34th edition of the global showpiece was previously set to be held in June and July 2023 but was moved to January 12 to February 11, 2024, due to the heavy rains in Ivory Coast.
With that, the former Ajax goalkeeper will miss league games at home to West Ham and Tottenham and two away games at Aston Villa and Wolves. He will also miss an FA Cup third-round match and possibly, the fifth round.
