Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has declared his intention to link up with the Cameroon squad for this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi, ending his international retirement that began in the wake of the 2022 World Cup.
Given that his club career has taken him to Barcelona, Ajax, Inter and now Manchester United, 27-year-old Onana has surprisingly few senior international caps - just 34.
He received his first call-up aged 18 not long after joining Ajax in 2015, but it was another few months before he was selected again and, by 2018 had only made two appearances.
Onana did establish himself as number once he'd had two full seasons as Ajax starter behind him, but a doping ban put his career on hold for most of 2021. The goalkeeper then regained his place as soon as he allowed to play football again, helping Cameroon finish third at the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, and went into the 2022 World Cup as the undisputed starter.
However, a disagreement with head coach Rigobert Song in Qatar saw Onana dropped after Cameroon's opening game. Reports of a falling out were followed by a statement confirming Onana had asked not to play and had been suspended for disciplinary reasons.
"Every story has its end and my story with the Cameroonian national team has come to an end," he then stated as he declared his retirement from international football after the tournament.
Onana hasn't played for Cameroon since but was named in Song's squad for this month's international break when the list was announced at the end of last month.
Now, Onana has responded and will accept the call from the Indomitable Lions.
A statement released on social media implied that it hasn't been plain sailing to get to this point, with the goalkeeper referencing unspecified "injustice", "manipulation", "lies" and "abuse of power", but insists his love for Cameroon overrides everything else.
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"In recent months, I have been confronted with trials marked by injustice and manipulation. Yet my unshakeable love and attachment to my homeland, Cameroon, remain intact," he said.
"My desire to represent my country has never wavered since my youth, and this aspiration remains an inseparable part of my identity. Nothing and no one can shake this conviction. I answer my nation's call with unshakeable certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream, but also to respond to the expectations and support of Cameroonians, who deserve a national team determined to shine.
"In the face of manipulation, lies and abuse of power, I choose to remain true to my ideals, proudly representing a country that deserves our sincere commitment. Now is the time to unite, to work in harmony for our common good: Cameroon."
He added: "I am determined to play my part in seeing [Cameroon] prosper."
In the upcoming final AFCON qualifier against Burundi, Cameroon need only to avoid defeat at home to book their place in the 2023 tournament, which has been delayed until the start of 2024. It was originally supposed to be played over this summer, but weather concerns saw it moved to January and February, which will result in a clash with club football in Europe.
If Cameroon qualify as expected and Onana remains part of the squad, he stands to miss six or seven weeks for Manchester United were his country to then get all the way to the final. That would see summer signing Altay Bayindir, who was named on the bench for Sunday's trip to Arsenal, temporarily promoted to number one at Old Trafford as cover.
As things stand, United's first game of 2024 is the FA Cup third round on 6 January, one week before AFCON begins. A scheduled winter break in the Premier League is scheduled from mid-January, although any clubs involved in the Carabao Cup semi-finals or FA Cup fourth round won't benefit. AFCON then continues until 11 February, after which players may need a further short break to rest.
Man Utd games Andre Onana could miss because of Africa Cup of Nations
Date | Competition | Fixture |
|---|---|---|
w/c 8 January 2024 | Carabao Cup | Possible semi-final 1st leg |
13 January 2024 | Premier League | Man Utd vs Tottenham |
w/c 22 January 2024 | Carabao Cup | Possible semi-final 2nd leg |
27 January 2024 | FA Cup | Possible 4th round tie |
30 January 2024 | Premier League | Wolves vs Man Utd |
3 February 2024 | Premier League | Man Utd vs West Ham |
10 February 2024 | Premier League | Aston Villa vs Man Utd |
17 February 2024 | Premier League | Luton vs Man Utd |
