Andre Onana to return to Cameroon team for one game as Manchester United wait on international future

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana will only return to the Cameroon team for one game with no decision made on his long-term international future.

Onana, 27, was dropped from the Cameroon starting XI after the opening group game of last winter’s World Cup and was later sent home by manager Rigobert Song after a disagreement over tactics.

The shot stopper announced his retirement from international football a few weeks later.

His return was confirmed this week after being called into the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi. Victory for The Indominable Lions will seal their place in next year’s competition, which gets underway in January.

Onana’s Potential Absence

Onana’s involvement could see him miss sup to seven games for United. But in a boost for Erik ten Hag, ESPN report their goalkeeper has not yet committed to playing in the tournament should Cameroon qualify.

Further talks will take place after this week’s crucial qualifier.

Following David de Gea’s departure in the summer, Onana was brought in as a long-term replacement for £45million. The club were told during negotiations with Inter Milan that Onana was retired from international football.

While any absence could prove problematic, ten Hag is ‘sympathetic’ towards his reasons for wanting to play against Burundi on Saturday. AFCON gets underway in Ivory Coast on 13 January with the final taking place on 11 February. Were Cameroon to reach that stage with Onana part of the squad, he would miss games against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa in addition to early FA Cup games.

United’s Backup Options

With Dean Henderson also leaving this summer, United brought in 25-year-old Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce to serve as Onana’s understudy. Tom Heaton is also an option.

United head into the international break off the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Arsenal with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scoring in injury time.

Ten Hag’s side are back in action against Brighton on Saturday 16 September.

Conclusion

Andre Onana’s return to the Cameroon team is only for one game at this point, with no decision made on his long-term international future. His involvement could see him miss up to seven games for Manchester United, but Erik ten Hag is sympathetic towards his reasons for wanting to play against Burundi on Saturday. With Dean Henderson and Altay Bayindir as backup options, United head into the international break off the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.