Andre Onana AFCON returned date confirmed by Erik ten Hag as the boss wants replacement
Goalkeeper Andre Onana will return to Manchester United on Thursday following Cameroon’s elimination from the AFCON, according to Erik ten Hag.
In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Onana was a member of the Cameroon team that made it to the knockout stages. However, the team lost 2-0 against Nigeria in the round of 16, with Ademola Lookman scoring two goals.
After participating in every group stage match, Manchester United’s top player was unexpectedly benched by manager Rigobert Song for the match against Nigeria. Speaking before the loss, Song stated that his team’s six goals conceded in the group stages was the reason he decided to bench Onana.
With his nation now out of the competition, Onana is now set to make his return to Manchester United, with Ten Hag confirming that he expects his number one to return before Thursday:
“Andre Onana will be back for Thursday,” confirmed Ten Hag.
“Maybe, for the first time as long as I was manager, I can pick a team from the squad that is probably the strongest here.”
Summer signing Altay Bayindir made his Man Utd debut due to Onana’s absence on Sunday, conceding two as the club squeezed past Newport County and through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Speaking about Bayindir’s debut, Ten Hag said that he was impressed by the Turkey international’s composure:
“I think it was a composed debut [by Bayindir]. Some good saves, so very composed. I think, overall, he can be happy.
“I was pleased with his performance.”
With his return date set to be before Thursday, Onana could be set to replace Bayindir in the lineup to face Wolves at Molineux this week. The Red Devils will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Wolves, having failed to win both of their last two Premier League games.