Star Andre Onana, Manchester United’s rookie goalkeeper, will not play for the Red Devils for 9 matches, after Cameroon participates in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament is scheduled to start on January 13 and end on February 11, meaning the goalkeeper could miss nearly four weeks of action for Man United. This raised a huge worry for coach Ten Hag when he chose him as the number one guard.

Goalkeeper Onana returned to the national team during the international break, after controversially announcing his retirement and withdrawal last year. He left the team midway through the 2022 World Cup qualifying period after a conflict with head coach Rigobert Song. However, Onana returned and participated in Cameroon’s 3-0 win over Burundi, helping them qualify for the Africa Cup.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are scheduled to play four Premier League matches during this period, including matches against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at home, as well as Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa away. Onana could also be eliminated from the FA Cup third round match on the first weekend of January and if MU wins that match, he will also miss the fourth round on the last day of January. In case Manchester United progresses as far as the semi-finals At the end of the Carabao Cup, Onana will also not be able to participate in the two matches taking place on January 8 and January 22.

Although the dates for Manchester United’s round of 16 tie in the Champions League are yet to be confirmed, the 27-year-old goalkeeper could miss the match, should they progress past the group stage. Young Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir joined from Fenerbahce on the final day of the transfer window, expected to be coach Ten Hag’s first choice to replace Onana during his absence.

Former MU defender Paul Parker admitted that the Red Devils made a mistake in letting David de Gea leave and accepting Andre Onana. Parker, who once played a defensive position, said that the Spanish goalkeeper is the better goalkeeper between the two: “I can’t say because I don’t like Andre Onana. Personally, I will still support David De Gea. Not only Me and many others see De Gea as a better goalkeeper.”