Andre Onana sent AFCON warning as Manchester United goalkeeper faces huge decision

Former Manchester United midfielder and Cameroon star Eric Djemba-Djemba says countryman Andre Onana risks losing his place as Erik ten Hag’s No.1 if he follows through with plans to compete in January’s Africa Cup Of Nations.

Onana returned to international duty earlier this year after previously retiring from the Indomitable Lions. He has played every United game since his arrival despite a number of errors with fellow summer acquisition Altay Bayindir yet to make his debut.

Cameroon open the tournament against Guinea on January 15, a day after the Reds play Tottenham and a week after taking on Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup Third Round. If he finalises his decision to play at AFCON, he could miss at least four United matches if Cameroon make it to the final on February 11.

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Onana has enjoyed a recent uptick in form but has been less than convincing during his first five months at United. Djemba-Djemba says the 27-year-old opens up the possibility of Bayindir taking his spot long-term if he agrees to jet off to the Ivory Coast next month.

"One of the problems for him is even if he plays well over the next month, he then goes away for a month to AFCON. He knows if he goes, maybe he will lose his place at Manchester United," he told BBC Sport Africa. "He has to decide what is best for him. He just needs to do what is best for his career."

He added: "I don't know what [Onana] is thinking, what he wants to do. I'm not a selfish man - I will not say to him 'Go to play for Cameroon' because if I say that it means I don't care about his career for his club. He has to decide what is best for