Andre Onana ‘could pull out of the Africa Cup of Nations to protect his No1 spot at Man United’… after the goalkeeper’s nightmare start to life at Old Trafford

• Andre Onana has endured a nightmare start in his first season at Man United
• He could reportedly pull out of AFCON in a bid to keep hold of the No1 jersey
• Andre Onana’s place as Man United No 1 is in doubt – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana could opt out of the Africa Cup of Nations in January to protect his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, according to reports.

Onana was expected to represent Cameroon at the tournament that runs from January 13 to February 11, which could see him miss up to six United matches.

But after a horror start to life at Old Trafford, he may turn his back on playing for his country in a bid to ensure that he keeps hold of his No1 jersey at club level, as reported by The Sun.

Mail Sport revealed earlier today that Onana is ‘a little nervous’ about losing his place after enduring a nightmare evening on Wednesday when he conceded two Hakim Ziyech free-kicks that he would have expected to save in United’s 3-3 draw with Galatasaray.

The £47m summer signing has had a particularly difficult time in Europe this season, making a string of errors, and the Red Devils now face an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Andre Onana could reportedly decide not to play for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations

The Man United goalkeeper is concerned he may lose his place in Erik ten Hag’s team if he goes to the tournament in January

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Ten Hag refused to blame individuals after the disappointing draw in Turkey, but did hint that Onana’s place could be under threat as he suggested that fellow United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir will be handed some game time soon.

‘We are pleased with the goalkeeping group. They have to push each other,’ Ten Hag said.

‘We are very pleased with Altay who is doing very well, he just has to be patient. 

‘If he works well and continues his progress, he will get his chance and will have to take it.’

Ten Hag has hinted that he is considering a change in goal after United’s 3-3 draw with Galatasaray

Altay Bayindir could soon be handed a chance to impress, but Onana is determined to hang on to his No1 spot

Ten Hag may have been looking ahead to January when Onana was expected to head to the Ivory Coast to play for Cameroon, but it seems the 27-year-old does not want to give Bayindir an opportunity to impress.

Onana now faces a big decision over whether to prioritise Cameroon or United. When he joined United in the summer, Onana’s international days seemed to be over after he was sent home from last year’s World Cup early following a disagreement with manager Rigobert Song.

But the duo have since patched up their differences, and Onana has regained his place as Cameroon’s No1.

Performing a last-minute U-turn would not go down well with Song and his Cameroon team-mates, but Onana may feel it is necessary to keep his long-term United future in his own hands. 

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