Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has shed light on the ongoing discussions with the Cameroon Football Federation (Fécafoot) concerning the availability of André Onana for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2023. According to the Dutch coach, there is currently a “problem” in the negotiations with Fécafoot.
Cameroon has expressed a desire for their goalkeeper, André Onana, to return to his homeland in Africa promptly.
The objective is to facilitate his swift integration into the national team, especially given that the Indomitable Lions’ first AFCON match is scheduled for January 15 against Syli National of Guinea. Reports suggest that Manchester United has cordially reached an agreement with the African nation, allowing Onana to join the national team immediately after the Premier League match against Tottenham on Sunday, January 14.
Erik ten Hag, the former Ajax coach now at the helm of Manchester United, confirmed the ongoing discussions with Fécafoot.
He acknowledged that the issue arose during conversations with Onana upon the player’s arrival at the club. Ten Hag provided assurance that Onana would be available for Monday’s FA Cup match.
“We are in discussions with the Cameroonian Federation (Fécafoot). This was an issue in conversations with Onana when he first arrived here. But he is there against Wigan,” stated the Red Devils manager during a press conference on Thursday evening.
However, the manager did not definitively confirm Onana’s availability for the subsequent match against Tottenham, leaving the matter open-ended.
The situation underscores the complexities involved in coordinating international duty with club commitments, particularly during tightly packed football schedules. As the discussions unfold, the football world awaits a resolution that balances the interests of both Manchester United and the Cameroon national team.
Erik ten Hag heeft een positief gevoel overgehouden aan zijn gesprek met Sir Jim Ratcliffe. https://t.co/sypPNOX8Rg
— Voetbal International (@VI_nl) January 4, 2024
