Manchester United goalkeeper, André Onana, is set to be available for the club’s upcoming Premier League fixture with Tottenham. According to a source, Onana has reached an agreement with the Cameroon FA to delay his call-up ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. This development allows him to remain in Manchester for United’s FA Cup third round tie with Wigan Athletic on Monday and Spurs’ visit to Old Trafford on Jan. 14.
Cameroon were scheduled to begin their AFCON campaign against Guinea just 24 hours after United’s match against Tottenham, on Jan. 15. However, United and Cameroon have come to their own arrangement, granting Onana permission to stay until after the Premier League game. This is a unique agreement between a player and his national team, as Premier League clubs were given a Jan. 1 deadline to release their players for the AFCON tournament, which commences in Ivory Coast on Jan. 13.
Onana, who returned to Manchester after spending time in Paris, has expressed his desire to limit his time away from the club. During transfer negotiations in the summer, he informed Manchester United that he had retired from international duty, but later returned to the Cameroon squad ahead of the final AFCON qualifier against Burundi in September. Onana’s commitment to the club and his willingness to minimize his absence showcases his dedication to Manchester United.
Furthermore, Manchester United’s new minority investor, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, had his first interaction with the club this week. Ratcliffe, the chairman of INEOS, met with manager Erik ten Hag, football director John Murtough, and the first-team squad at Carrington. This meeting provides an opportunity for Ratcliffe to familiarize himself with the team and establish a rapport with the staff.
The delayed call-up for Onana presents a significant advantage for Manchester United. As one of the team’s key players, his presence in the matches against Wigan Athletic and Tottenham will undoubtedly strengthen the squad. Onana’s exceptional goalkeeping skills and his ability to read the game make him an invaluable asset for the team. His availability ensures that United has a strong defensive line, enhancing their chances of achieving positive results in both fixtures.
André Onana’s agreement with the Cameroon FA to delay his call-up for the AFCON tournament showcases his commitment to Manchester United. His availability for the upcoming Premier League fixtures against Wigan Athletic and Tottenham will undoubtedly bolster the team’s performance. The unique arrangement between Onana and Cameroon allows him to limit his time away from the club, further emphasizing his dedication. Additionally, the introduction of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new minority investor, adds an element of intrigue as he begins his involvement with the team. Overall, these developments bode well for Manchester United as they aim to secure victories on the field and strengthen their position in domestic competitions.