AFCON 2023 : Cameroon disadvantaged, Manchester United still seeks to retain André Onana

André Onana could be available only on the eve of Cameroon’s debut in the 2023 AFCON. Manchester United is still keen on retaining the player.

Last week, we reported that André Onana was in negotiations with the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fécafoot) to join the preparation camp for the 2023 AFCON in Djeddah, Saudi Arabia, with over a week’s delay.

Manchester United’s Plans for André Onana

The former Inter Milan player has requested to participate in the third round of the FA Cup with Manchester United on January 8 before joining the team led by coach Rigobert Song. The request was granted by the body presided over by Samuel Eto’o. However, Manchester United seems eager to capitalize on the situation.

According to information from the Daily Mail, the Manchester club wants to keep their first-choice goalkeeper until January 14. The British source specifically states that the Red Devils are negotiating for the 27-year-old goalkeeper to be present in goal against Tottenham in the 21st round of the English Premier League.

Afterward, he should take a seven-hour flight to Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, to participate in the first match of the five-time African champions against Guinea in Group C, the following day on January 15. It is worth noting that this is the so-called “group of death,” which also includes Gambia and the titleholder, Senegal.

This new favor tends to irritate more than one supporter, considering that the selection has already made significant concessions for André Onana, who came out of his premature retirement in September 2023, about ten months after his controversial departure during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This situation brings to mind Eric Djemba-Djemba’s recent comments regarding the delicate situations of some players called up for the AFCON. He particularly argued that André Onana should not join the national team.

André Onana’s Place at Risk if he goes to AFCON 2023?

The month-long competition will see Manchester United play four matches during this period. André Onana’s absence in these clashes could open the door for his teammate Bayindir. If the latter performs well, he could take the place of the Cameroonian goalkeeper. Eric Djemba-Djemba, former Cameroonian international and ex-Manchester United player, expressed his concerns, suggesting that Onana should secure his place at his club.

“One of his problems is that even if he plays well next month, he then goes away for a month for the AFCON. He knows that if he goes, he might lose his place at Manchester United. I don’t know what [Onana] thinks, what he wants to do. I’m not a selfish man. So, I won’t tell him, ‘Go play for Cameroon’ because if I say that, it means I don’t care about his career for his club. He has to decide what’s best for him,” said Eric Djemba-Djemba.

He emphasized the constant pressure at Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and noted that Onana will not change his playing style despite the current challenges. Eric Djemba-Djemba concluded by pointing out that André Onana, an optimistic goalkeeper, simply needs to adapt to the English style to continue excelling, based on his previous performances with Ajax and Inter.

In the face of persistent criticism since his arrival at Manchester United, the Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana remains mentally strong. In a recent interview with Sky Sport, he expressed his confidence despite the difficulties encountered. “I’ve been through worse in the past,” Onana said, highlighting his resilience in the face of challenges. Although considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, his performance at Manchester United since his arrival this summer has been below expectations. The AFCON could provide him with an opportunity to return to his true form.