Two matches in 24 hours – How Andre Onana’s United-AFCON controversy caused uproar

Ayomikun Elemikan Opinions, Sports 04/01/2024

News broke out on the internet about the prospect of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana playing two matches within 24 hours.

Immediately, netizens, commentators, and sports analysts began dishing out comments about the development. Most condemned the decision made by Onana to do such but what’s the fuss all about?

Andre Onana is set to be with Manchester United until 14 January and will not be among Cameroon’s camping plans ahead of AFCON (Image: @DeadlinDayLive on X)

What really happened?

First, it should be established that an amicable agreement was reached amongst Onana, Manchester United and the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) to maximise the player’s playing time for the Red Devils before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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Both United and Cameroon agreed on the player’s departure date for the continental football showpiece.

The AFCON starts 13 January and United wants to hold on to the goalkeeper till 14 January before releasing him. Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions play their first match of the tournament against Guinea a day after – 15 January.

Both parties reached a conclusion Onana will travel to Ivory Coast immediately after United’s game against Tottenham on 14 January.

Andre Onana was acquired from Inter Milan by Manchester United during the last summer transfer window. (Image: Fox Sports)

What this means?

Following the agreement between FECAFOOT and United, Onana will also be available for United’s FA Cup third-round clash with Wigan on January 8.

Also, should Cameroon fail to advance into the knockout stages, then he might not miss any club matches at all.

Manchester United should not be blamed for holding on to Onana for ‘so long’

The Red Devils acquired the services of Onana from Inter Milan before the season started. At that time, there was a clear understanding that he would not be playing at the 2023 AFCON.

Cameroon may not have Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana in between the sticks in their opening AFCON match against Guinea. (Image: Yahoo Sports)

This is because the player retired from international football in 2022 after falling out with FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o.

Obviously, Erik Ten Hag and his team must have had a plan before the season started and didn’t anticipate losing the former Ajax goalie at a crucial time as this.

However, Onana has come out of retirement and has been included in Cameroon’s squad for this month’s AFCON. The Athletic also revealed that FECAFOOT and United both has a readiness to reach an understandable compromise.