Andre Onana Could Feature for Man United Against Newport County Despite AFCON Engagement

Andre Onana Could Feature for Man United Against Newport County Despite AFCON Engagement

Fred Kennedy
updated at January 23, 2024 at 8:49 AM
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  • Andre Onana is currently on international duty with Cameroon at the AFCON
  • However, the Indomitable Lions are facing an early exit from the tournament
  • Such a scenario would see Onana jet straight to the UK and rejoin Man United

Andre Onana is unlikely to miss a game for Manchester United despite his Africa Cup of Nations engagement.

The former Inter Milan goalkeeper is currently on international duty with Cameroon in the ongoing continental showpiece in Ivory Coast.

Onana jetted to Ivory Coast on Sunday, January 14, shortly after he had played in United's 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

Andre Onana celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Photo by Alex Livesey.
Andre Onana celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Photo by Alex Livesey.
Source: Getty Images

Daily Star reports that the 27-year-old had a private jet chartered for him, with the hope of having him feature in Cameroon's group opener against Guinea.

However, Onana failed to make it in time for the tie as the Indomitable Lions settled for a 1-1 draw before he featured in the second group fixture against Senegal, which they lost 3-1.

Cameroon's defeat to the Teranga Lions means they need a favourable result in their final game against The Gambia on Tuesday night to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockouts.

Could Onana feature against Newport County?

According to Manchester World, with Senegal already through to the next round, a win or draw for Guinea against the reigning champions would see them claim automatic qualification at the expense of Cameroon.

However, with the expanded version of the tournament, Onana's Indomitable Lions would still have a slim chance of qualifying for the last 16 regardless of the results elsewhere.

The group stage games are scheduled to be completed by Wednesday, meaning any team hoping to qualify with a third-place finish would have discovered their fate by then.

Should Cameroon get eliminated, Onana would be expected to return straight to Manchester to link up with his United teammates.

Such a scenario would make him available for selection for the Red Devils' clash against Newport County on Sunday in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Onana speaks after Cameroon snub

Sports Brief also previously reported on Onana speaking out for the first time after being omitted from the Indomitable Lions' initial AFCON group game against Guinea.

Despite arriving in Ivory Coast shortly after playing against Spurs in the Premier League, his presence did not persuade coach, Rigobert Song to include him in the matchday squad.

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Fred Kennedy
Editor - Europe Team