Despite a loss to rivals Manchester City, Manchester United’s Andre Onana has to be feeling good about his recent form. Even in the big derby, Andre Onana made impressive saves that kept the scoreline to only 3-0. If Manchester United are to find a consistent rhythm of winning in the Premier League, Andre Onana will have to be a key performer. If his recent performances are anything to go by, Manchester United are in good hands.
In what will be an interesting time for Manchester United, January could potentially see Andre Onana miss a total of seven games with the Red Devils. This is because the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) takes place from the beginning of January to the start of February. The final is expected to be played on February 11th in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The Daily Mail is reporting that Onana is considering playing for Cameroon at AFCON.
After initially retiring from international football, Andre Onana has recommitted himself to playing for the Cameroon National Team. Cameroon is one of the tougher groups in the tournament, with Senegal, Guinea and Gambia being their group-stage opponents. Historically, Cameroon is a five-time winner of the tournament, and they will have a solid chance of being contenders again.
While Andre Onana missing seven games is a worst-case scenario for Manchester United, he will still be gone for a good chunk of January at the very least.
Altay Bayindir, who was signed from Fenerbahce this summer, will be tasked with stepping into a starting role for a string of games should Andre Onana leave for AFCON in January. The Turkish international has yet to play a game under Erik ten Hag. Assuming Manchester United push themselves higher up the table, by the time January swings around, the club will need Bayindir to have a next-man-up mentality as Onana searches for glory with Cameroon at AFCON.