da bet7: Andre Onana could play two games in two days after Manchester United and Cameroon agreed his departure date for the Africa Cup of Nations.
da dobrowin: Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Onana could play two matches in two daysUnited and Cameroon agree AFCON departure dateGoalkeeper to fly straight after Tottenham clashWHAT HAPPENED?
United and Cameroon have agreed that Onana will travel to Ivory Coast to join his international team-mates straight after United face Tottenham on January 14. The goalkeeper will then be available to play in Cameroon's tournament opener against Guinea on January 15.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The agreement between United and the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) means Onana will also be available for United's FA Cup third-round clash with Wigan on January 8. Having endured a mixed start to the season, Onana was keen to minimise the number of United games he would miss by playing at the AFCON. Should Cameroon fail to progress from the group stage, then he might not miss any club matches at all.
DID YOU KNOW?
United signed Onana from Inter in the summer on the understanding that he would not be playing at the 2023 AFCON. The 27-year-old retired from international football in 2022 after falling out with FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto'o, but he was persuaded to return and was included in Cameroon's squad for the tournament. According to , there was a willingness from both United and FECAFOOT to reach a compromise.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ONANA?
Onana will need to use all of his mental and physical strength to play – and perform well – in two matches in two days. Should Cameroon reach the final of the competition on February 11, then Onana will miss United's Premier League meetings with Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa, plus a potential FA Cup fourth-round clash should they get past Wigan.