Erik ten Hag finally breaks silence on Andre Onana AFCON situation

Add as preferred source on Google

Erik ten Hag has finally broken his silence on Andre Onana’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) situation.

So what’s happening? Well, it’s all a bit up in the air at the moment. When Andre Onana was called up to Cameroon earlier this season, there was some worry about what it could mean for the African Cup of Nations in early 2024.

Since then, it has been confirmed that Onana will be heading to the tournament, but there’s been confusion as to when he’ll depart. A recent report from The Athletic stated that he would now be leaving after the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on the 14th of January – Cameroon’s national side permitting of course.

Erik ten Hag has finally spoken out on the situation and what it means for Manchester United.

READ: Manchester United top scorers and assist leaders for 2023/24

Erik ten Hag on Andre Onana AFCON situation

Speaking with club media ahead of the FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic, which Onana could be available for, he spoke about the goalkeeping situation and what’s occurring with Onana’s imminent departure. He said:

“We are talking, we have constructive talks with the Federation of Cameroon and yeah, we will see what the outcome will be.”

So, it remains to be seen as to whether Onana will actually feature against Wigan or Tottenham – but it’s probably likely considering he hasn’t left yet.

One man who will be disappointed in this outcome will be Altay Bayindir. The summer signing is still yet to make his debut for Manchester United, and will probably have to be waiting a little longer.

United do not have many games in January whatsoever, meaning Onana will likely play most of United’s first-team fixtures despite being away with his country. Fans aren’t necessarily happy about this.

Manchester United have a job to do in the FA Cup

Never mind who is between the sticks – Manchester United must get the job done against Wigan Athletic.

“So in the cup, it is always about do or die and you have to be ready,” said Ten Hag. “An opponent will be always 100 per cent when they play against Manchester United, but especially when they play in the FA Cup against Manchester United.

“So we have to be ready to face them, be well prepared. So we have the expectations that every game we have to win.”

United take on the Latics at 8:15 PM on Monday the 8th of January. Let’s hope they get the job done.

READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group