When Andre Onana could return to Manchester United amid AFCON uncertainty

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana could return to Old Trafford sooner than expected if results go against Cameroon this evening.

Rigobert Song's side has endured a tough group stage so far having drawn with ten-man Guinea on the opening matchday before suffering a miserable 3-1 loss to Senegal on Friday. The results leave the Indomitable Lions third in Group C, three points behind the top two.

Such a position is precarious considering only the top two placed sides in each group are guaranteed to reach the Round of 16. With this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at all the permutations for Cameroon, including when Onana could return.

READ MORE: United fans cast worrying Onana verdict

READ MORE: Onana criticised after United decision

The simple answer here is they need to beat Group C's bottom country Gambia if they are to secure their passage to the Round of 16. If there is a three-goal swing in favour of Song's men to Guinea, Cameroon will finish second in their group and automatically qualify for the next round.

However, a victory should guarantee them finishing as one of the four best-placed third teams to advance.

A defeat to Gambia will see their opponents leapfrog them in Group C and Cameroon crash out of the competition at the group stages.

A draw would be no good for Cameroon as four teams are already guaranteed to qualify for the knockout stages ahead of them on the best third-placed teams.

If Cameroon draws or loses this evening, Onana could return to United before the weekend's trip to Newport County in the FA Cup. Victory for the Indomitable Lions will extend his stay in the Ivory Coast until at least the end of January.

Subscribe to our brilliant app for the best way to enjoy the M.E.N's