Andre Onana’s international U-turn could see him miss key Manchester United fixtures
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been called up to the Cameroon squad - eight months after retiring from international duty.
Onana called time on his international career after last year’s World Cup in Qatar, following a high-profile bust up with manager Rigobert Song.
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His last game for Cameroon came in the African nation's opening group game defeat to Switzerland but was later dropped for their clash with Serbia after a disagreement over Song’s tactical approach.
Onana did not hang around for Cameroon’s final group game against Brazil having been sent home from the tournament.
The 27-year-old had not been named in an international squad since the finals in Qatar but a U-turn has now seen him included in his country’s 24-man squad for their upcoming clash.
Cameroon face off against Burundi in a key Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on September 12 where they need to avoid defeat to qualify for the tournament in January.
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But Cameroon’s gain will come at a loss for Manchester United, who could lose their summer signing for up to a month, when the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in the Ivory Coast.
The tournament runs from January 13 to February 11 and if Cameroon reach the final, Onana would miss a host of key fixtures.
United’s No.1 would be set to miss Premier League games against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa in the Red Devils’ quest to finish in the top four.
He could also miss a possible Carabao Cup semi-final and round’s three and four of the FA Cup.
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Onana has been a big hit with United fans since his arrival from Serie A side Inter this summer.
The Cameroonian has slotted in to replace long-standing goalkeeper David de Gea, who left the club as a free agent in June.
Onana’s ability with the ball at his feet was cited as a huge factor in boss Erik ten Hag swooping for the shot-stopper.
Ten Hag’s philosophy of playing out from the back is still in the process of being instilled in his players as he kicks off a second season in the Old Trafford hot seat.
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