Man United plan for Onana’s January absence for AFCON – sources

Manchester United resign themselves to losing André Onana at the African Cup of Nations [AFCON] in January, although the goalkeeper has yet to make a decision on whether he would play if called up by Cameroon, sources told ESPN.

United manager Erik ten Hag plans to be without Onana for the duration of the tournament, which begins in Ivory Coast on January 13 and runs until February 11.

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The 27-year-old could miss four Premier League matches if Cameroon reach the final on February 11.

Ten Hag has not been officially informed of his intention to play, but the Dutchman, according to a source, understands the situation and will let Onana make his own decision on whether to participate.

United were informed during negotiations to sign Onana from Inter this summer that he had retired from international football following his early exit from the World Cup in Qatar.

He has since returned to the team to help Cameroon qualify for the AFCON and was selected for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Libya and Mauritius during the November break.

A source told ESPN that Onana will make the final decision on whether or not he wants to travel with the team to Ivory Coast later and after discussions with the Cameroonian federation.

United believe they are ready for a possible Onana departure after signing Turkish international Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce this summer.

The 25-year-old is yet to make his debut for United, but sources have told ESPN that he has already impressed staff in training and around the club.

Losing top pick Onana would still be frustrating for Ten Hag, who is already dealing with a growing list of injuries.

Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Højlund are the latest senior players to pick up problems and join Lisandro Martínez, Casemiro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Jonny Evans on the sidelines.