Manchester United dealt goalkeeper blow as Andre Onana 'makes AFCON decision'

Andre Onana is set to ignore discussions with Manchester United chiefs and represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, according to reports.

The tournament kicks off on January 13 and could result in Erik ten Hag losing his first-choice goalkeeper for a month. Signed from Inter Milan for £47.2million in the summer, the 27-year-old endured a difficult start at Old Trafford but has since recovered, keeping back-to-back Premier League clean sheets against Fulham and Luton Town.

Onana astonishingly quit international football last year after a disagreement with coach Rigobert Song. However, he reneged on that decision earlier this year and is currently on duty for Cameroon’s double-header with Mauritius and Libya.

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A report from the Mirror claims United chiefs held talks with the goalkeeper about his plans for the AFCON but feel powerless to prevent him from playing. Should he do so, Onana - who has 36 caps for his country since debuting in 2016 - could miss up to four Premier League games as well as any participation in the FA Cup.

Cameroon last won the AFCON in 2017 and finished third when they hosted the competition last time out. They are viewed among the favourites to clinch their sixth crown, which would move them one behind all-time record holders Egypt.

United’s back-up goalkeepers have played just two games between them since joining the club. Tom Heaton featured twice in the Carabao Cup last year while Altay Bayindir, a £5million summer arrival from Fenerbahce, is yet to wear United colours.