Sports

Little-known rule means Andre Onana would have been banned from playing for Man Utd even if he snubbed Afcon call-up

ANDRE ONANA has agreed to go to the Africa Cup of Nations after fearing he would be accused of letting his country down.

The Manchester United goalkeeper was called into Cameroon’s squad for the tournament which runs for just over a month from January 13.

Andre Onana is set to head to Afcon next monthCredit: Reuters

Onana had been torn about going because he could miss six Red Devils games at a time when his indifferent form was leading to questions about his long-term future.

But Fifa rules meant he had to go if the call came or be banned from playing for United for the duration of the tournament. That call came yesterday.

United chiefs have been in negotiations with the Cameroon FA for months in the hope they would opt to NOT call him up.

But following discussions with family and friends, Onana realised he simply could not turn  his back on Cameroon.

Onana retired from international football after being kicked out of their World Cup camp in 2022 following a bust-up with coach Rigobert Song.

He reversed that decision in September and returned for the win over Burundi which saw his side into the Afcon finals.

Onana, 27, is concerned that a prolonged absence from United’s first team could cost him his place long term if No 2 Altay Bayindir performs well.

His spot has already come under question after a number of high-profile blunders in conceding 43 goals in 27 appearances.

On-loan  Sofyan Amrabat will also be missing from the United squad during the tournament having been called up by Morocco.

However, United boss Erik ten Hag has been boosted by a number of players coming back from injury.

Influential Lisandro Martinez is putting a metatarsal problem behind him.

The centre-back said: “My rehab is going amazingly. I am feeling strong.”

Mason Mount is due to return to full training after a calf problem, while Casemiro (hamstring) is also close.

Defenders Harry Maguire  and Victor Lindelof should be available next month.

Sofyan Amrabat is also set to head to AfconCredit: Alamy

Related Posts

LeBron James outs wife Savannah with video of embarrassing behavior she’s been hiding from Bronny

Savannah’s husband and son are now Lakers teammates It’s a new era for the Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, teaming up together on the court. The history-making…

LeBron James’ Wife Savannah James Shares Emotional Message

LeBron James’ wife, Savannah James, couldn’t help but get emotional during the Los Angeles Lakers’ media day on Monday. LeBron and his son Bronny James had plenty of moments…

LeBron James Gifts His Mother This Luxury Car For Her Birthday

“You’re always thinking of and doing things to help make my life easier and make me happy. Love you infinity,” she said. Future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James is…

Bernie Ecclestone predice que un “chico mágico” vencerá a Lando Norris y conseguirá su primer Campeonato Mundial

Bernie Ecclestone cree que el “chico mágico” Oscar Piastri será campeón del mundo de F1 en los próximos dos años, sustituyendo a Max Verstappen y superando a su…

Revelado: El Campeonato de Constructores de F1 2024 sin Red Bull

El Red Bull RB20 parecía el mejor al comienzo de la temporada y, aunque las cosas se han cerrado enormemente en el ínterin, hemos estado calculando cómo habría…

Max Verstappen “muy molesto” cuando un comisario de F1 destapó el castigo de la FIA por insultos

El comisario de F1, Johnny Herbert, ha revelado cómo Max Verstappen se puso “muy nervioso” en su visita a la sala de comisarios antes de ser castigado por…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *