Andre Onana recalled to Cameroon national team despite retiring last year

Manchester United star Andre Onana has been named in the Cameroon national team’s squad despite having retired from international duty last year.

Onana called time on playing for his country last December following a high-profile falling out with manager Rigobert Song during the Qatar World Cup.

What happened between Onana and Song?

The goalkeeper appeared in their first game against Switzerland but was then kicked out of the squad just hours before the next match against Serbia, before flying home before their tournament was done.

It was reported that the pair disagreed over tactics with Song wanting to see more ‘traditional goalkeeping’ and direct, long kicks, rather than the passing out of the back style that Onana is well known for.

Why has Onana been recalled?

Upon announcing his international retirement, the 27-year-old said his ‘story with the Cameroon national team had come to an end’, but eight months later he has been recalled by Song.

It is unclear whether Onana has actually made himself available for selection however, with Cameroon set to take on Burundi in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on 12th September.

What would this mean for Manchester United?

Should he help his nation qualify for the tournament, it will have huge ramifications on United as the keeper will miss a month of Premier League action as a result.

AFCON is set to be held from 13th January to 11th February, so if Onana and Cameroon make it all the way to the final he will potentially miss four matches for the Red Devils. Erik ten Hag’s side are currently slated to play Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa during that period.

If he is absent, Altay Bayindir will have to step up to the plate, with the Turkish shot stopper set to join from Fenerbahce in the coming days, with Dean Henderson off to Crystal Palace.

Onana’s start at Manchester United

Of the back of reaching the Champions League final with Inter Milan, Onana moved to Old Trafford this summer for £47million with Ten Hag keen to reunite with his former Ajax star and have a keeper with better distribution skills than David de Gea.

He has endured a tricky start to life in England however, having conceded four goals to Tottenham and Nottingham Forest and while he kept a clean sheet on his debut against Wolves, he was extremely lucky not to have given away a last minute penalty.

He’ll be hoping for better when United travel to Arsenal this Sunday.

Conclusion

Andre Onana’s recall to the Cameroon national team could have huge implications for Manchester United if he helps them qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. Onana has had a mixed start to life at Old Trafford but will be hoping for better when they travel to Arsenal this Sunday.