Erik ten Hag has confirmed goalkeeper Andre Onana\u2019s return to Old Trafford by Thursday this week after the 27-year-old represented Cameroon at the 2024 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.<\/p>\n
The Ivory Coast event has been far remarkable for the goalkeeper, however, as Onana was dropped for three of Cameroon\u2019s four games at the tournament. Even the one game he did play \u2013 the second group stage match against Senegal \u2013 saw the Indomitable Lions falling to a disappointing 3-1 defeat.<\/p>\n
Onana has been at odds with Samuel Eto\u2019o, the President of the Cameroonian FA, and manager Rigobert Song, who are both believed to be involved with his exclusion from the starting eleven.\u00a0 Fabrice Ondoa \u2013 Onana\u2019s cousin and a goalkeeper for Nimes Olympique, a third division French side \u2013 was selected instead by Song.<\/p>\n
The Manchester United first choice goalie had planned to delay his arrival to the tournament in order to play in the crucial Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, with this decision resulting in the goalkeeper touching down in the Ivory Coast only on the morning of Cameroon\u2019s opening game against Gambia.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old was widely criticised for his decision and actions by pundits and fans at the tournament for purportedly opting to stay as long as possible in Manchester to avoid missing an important game, besides also being anxious that his replacement \u2013 Altay Bayindir \u2013 may thrive in his absence.<\/p>\n
Bayindir made his debut for United yesterday, following his move from Fenerbahce in the summer.<\/p>\n