Cameroon head coach Marc Brys has revealed that Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana initially expressed a desire to join the national team in Marrakech, but later opted out due to exhaustion.
The Indomitable Lions are set to face Uganda on Friday and Equatorial Guinea on Monday in Morocco as part of Africa Week, using a significantly reshuffled squad. Several high-profile names, including André Onana, Franck Zambo Anguissa, Bryan Mbeumo, Carlos Baleba, Michael Ngadeu, and Christian Bassogog, are all notable absentees.
Speaking exclusively to Afrik-Foot, Brys addressed Onana’s omission and clarified the circumstances behind the goalkeeper’s absence from the friendlies.
“He wanted to come to Marrakech,” Brys explained. “At first, I advised him to take some time off and rest, but he was keen on being with the team. Later, he called back and told me he was completely drained and needed to recover.”
Despite being free from club obligations, Onana’s omission has sparked speculation, especially given Manchester United’s uncertain stance on his future. Onana’s debut season at Old Trafford has been turbulent, marred by inconsistent performances and mounting criticism.
The 29-year-old Cameroonian has been linked with a potential move away from the Premier League side during the upcoming transfer window.
Reports suggest United may be in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper, with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, among the rumoured targets. Onana’s name has also emerged in discussions around potential transfers to clubs in Saudi Arabia, a region increasingly active in acquiring high-profile European talent.
Brys, however, remained diplomatic regarding his player’s prospects. “His club has had a tough season, particularly in the league,” he acknowledged. “He has been under scrutiny and I know it hasn’t been easy for him. Regardless of where he plays next season, I’ll be watching closely. Onana is an outstanding goalkeeper.”
Asked whether he expects Onana to remain at Old Trafford, the 63-year-old Belgian coach refused to speculate. “Whether he stays at Manchester United or moves elsewhere, he’ll be playing at a high level. That much I’m sure of.”
Cameroon’s current international window serves more as an opportunity for experimentation and rest than a competitive challenge, with the focus shifting to younger and less-utilised players in preparation for future qualifiers and tournaments. Brys’ decision to rotate heavily may also reflect his desire to avoid overburdening key players who have endured demanding seasons in Europe.
Onana, who joined Manchester United from Inter Milan last summer, had a difficult transition to English football. Despite a strong pedigree and success in European competition, including a Champions League final appearance with Inter, his performances in the Premier League have drawn mixed reviews. Still, his standing within the national team remains intact, with Brys reaffirming his confidence in the shot-stopper.
The Cameroonian squad’s matches in Marrakech offer a platform for emerging talent to make their case, while senior figures like Onana take time to reset ahead of a busy footballing calendar in the months ahead.
