Andre Onana to disappoint new Man Utd signing due to 'impossible' situation

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana will not represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations despite reports suggesting he could return to international duty, it has been claimed. Onana has not played for Cameroon since leaving his World Cup camp midway through last year's tournament in Qatar.

Onana reportedly fell out with head coach Rigobert Song during the campaign in Qatar. The 27-year-old hasn't featured in a Cameroon team since.

However, reports in Africa claimed earlier this week that Onana was set to return to the international fold. That would likely have left United with little quality in goal for a month in early 2024.

Onana has been reported to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from January 13 to February 11, 2024. This would have seen United's summer signing, worth £43million , missing four Premier League games.

But claim sources familiar with the matter say it is 'impossible' for the former Inter Milan ace to play for Cameroon any time soon. There doesn't seem to have been any rebuilding of the relationship between the player and his national team coach.

This will be good news for Erik ten Hag, who is desperate to improve the No.2 goalkeeper position. Express Sport understands Dean Henderson is set to join Crystal Palace next week and will undergo a medical with Premier League rivals United.

There remains only Tom Heaton as the only recognized goalkeeper in the Old Trafford first team, apart from Onana. United could still enter the market for another keeper before Friday's transfer deadline.

The report adds that the Red Devils are looking for a £5million deal for Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce. The 25-year-old is apparently ready to undergo a medical with the Ten Hag side but will now not get as much playing time as expected if Onana stays away from the Cameroon national team.

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It comes as Onana has come under scrutiny for his first performances in a United shirt. Recruited in part because of his ability with the ball, he made a few mistakes in his first three appearances for his new club.

Onana was lucky not to concede a penalty in United's 1-0 win over Wolves on Matchday 1. He slammed into striker Sasa Kalajdzic and Wolves were told VAR should have intervened and awarded them a late penalty.

He was then brought down far too easily by Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi as the Midlands side took a 2-0 lead at United on Saturday. However, they saved three points with a strong comeback, winning 3-2.