Andre Onana Could Be Barred From Playing For Manchester United If He Snubs Cameroon AFCON call-up

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Adesina David

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May 14, 2023
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Andre Onana could be barred from playing for Manchester United even if he snubs a call-up from Cameroon for the African Cup of Nations.

This is based on a FIFA rule, prohibiting players from representing their clubs during a period, where they ought to be playing for their national teams.

Onana is expected to be called up to the Cameroonian national team squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations, however, he is reportedly having second thoughts about going for the tournament.

This is due to his shaky start to life at Manchester United, with fans calling for him to be dropped for second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

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However, if Andre Onana is selected by Cameroon for the AFCON and he opts not to participate in the competition, the goalkeeper could be banned from playing for Manchester United as well during the period the tournament will be on.

FIFA's regulation indicates that a player who has been invited for national team engagements can't play for their club during a period they should be released to their country.

Meanwhile, for Onana to play for Manchester United if he snubs Cameroon's invitation, he would have to ask for the approval of the African nation.

Andre Onana, 27, has had a wishy-washy start to life at the Old Trafford club, producing outstanding performances on some days and horrendous displays on other days.

His performances so far have led to calls for him to be dropped to the bench as aforementioned, with Turkish goalie Altay Bayindir, expected to be given the nod.

Shockingly, Onana has amassed the joint-highest number of clean sheets this campaign in the Premier League, with 5 from 13 matches played so far.

Andre Onana has been superb in the league, having also started on a shaky note this season.

However, his league form is in contrast to his form in the UEFA Champions League, as he has kept just 1 clean sheet in 5 matches, amid a litany of errors made in every game.

Recently, he was gravely culpable for Manchester United conceding 2 goals against Galatasaray, as he made a mess of both free-kicks directed at goal by Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech.

Some also have found him to be complicit for the 3rd goal the Red Devils conceded, as they felt he shouldn't have been beaten from his near post, but take nothing away from the goal, it was sublime.

Despite a spate of errors by the Cameroonian goalkeeper, Erik Ten Hag looks to be backing him to bounce back to his best.

Speaking in a presser ahead of Manchester United's trip to St James' Park to play Newcastle United, Ten Hag said:

“He is a strong character, he will deal with it. All over in the first five months he has done well”.

“If you analyze it well then you see he is the second-best GK in the Premier League based on stats, his expected preventing goals is second-best in PL”.

Erik Ten Hag was also questioned on whether Andre Onana is undroppable from the squad as, despite his mistakes, he has kept all Manchester United games this season.

The Dutch tactician said: “Of course not, no-one is undroppable. That is also clear”.

“We believe and we have a strong belief that he will help us win trophies”.

Andre Onana has made 20 appearances for Manchester United this campaign, amassing 7 clean sheets so far.