André Onana continues to face criticism. After a shaky performance against Senegal in the 2nd day of the 2023 AFCON, the Cameroonian goalkeeper is now dealing with a fresh wave of critiques.
André Onana had a challenging start at Old Trafford, raising concerns among some Manchester United fans about his goalkeeping performances. Several Manchester United supporters expressed worries about André Onana after he conceded three goals against Senegal in a disappointing display during the 2023 AFCON.
André Onana Still Not Meeting Expectations
The Indomitable Lions now find themselves in an awkward exit from the group stage, having only gathered one point so far in the two matches. Onana missed the first 1-1 draw against Guinea after playing for United against Tottenham a day earlier.
Although his flight to Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, was delayed, he managed to join his team five hours before the match, only to be excluded from the squad in the end. He started against Senegal but faced criticism for his performance after Cameroon conceded several clumsy goals. André Onana has particularly been scrutinized after this defeat against the Lions of Senegal. This result means that if Cameroon fails to beat Gambia on Tuesday, they will be heading home.
If this materializes, André Onana could be available for United’s next match on Sunday when the Reds face Newport County in the FA Cup. The former Ajax player would then be able to extend his run under Erik ten Hag’s management this season.
André Onana and Eto’o, the Estrangement
André Onana is experiencing a complex situation with Cameroonian officials. The relationship between Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation, and the goalkeeper is going through turbulence. Once close, Eto’o no longer communicates with Onana, marking a distance that has persisted for several weeks. These tensions disrupt harmony within the team during the ongoing African Nations Championship (AFCON) 2023.
Critics are directed at Samuel Eto’o since his controversial decision to allow Onana to join the Cameroonian squad belatedly, just before their draw against Guinea. Despite Onana’s media attacks, Eto’o remains silent. Onana’s disappointing performance against Senegal, with three goals conceded, further accentuates this rift.
According to the Daily Mail, no dialogue has been restored between Eto’o and Onana since the incident during the 2022 World Cup that led to Onana’s temporary exclusion by coach Rigobert Song. The two Cameroonians seem to be following irreconcilable paths, a conflict that could lead to Onana’s premature departure from AFCON if Cameroon is eliminated by Gambia.
Manchester United Fans Express Concern…
Amidst all these upheavals, a number of Manchester United fans are growing genuinely concerned for their number one. Some on social media have voiced their worry following Onana’s latest outing on Friday.
@Jaying77: Onana needs to be replaced after conceding 47 goals in just 30 matches for United. Give Bayindir or Heaton a chance in goal.
@areebkham10Kahn: Things are really going downhill for him right now.
@srajan57: He knows that if Bayindir has a few good matches, he’ll lose his number 1 spot. The biggest disappointment of the season.
@balisebitz_2: Andre Onana needs to work on his positioning, timing, dives, ball handling, and distribution… make a reflex save. It doesn’t seem natural to him.
@chappy44mufc: If ETH persists with Onana for the rest of the season, he might as well look for another job! The man will end his future at United!
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