Erik ten Hag has given his verdict on Andre Onana’s potential absence for the majority of Manchester United’s fixtures in January.
Andre Onana has arguably been Manchester United’s best signing of the summer with the £43 million goalkeeper being vital for the Red Devils against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side.
However, during January, the Africa Cup Of Nations will be ongoing and Onana may well miss the best part of a few weeks for the Red Devils depending on how Cameroon does in the competition.
The absence of Onana could see Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir replace the 27-year-old in the United team.
Ten Hag on Onana absence
Erik ten Hag has given his verdict on the Cameroon international’s absence from the United first team with the 27-year-old potentially missing Premier League games against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
“I am quite comfortable with the fact. First of all, Andre Onana, in the Premier League has performed very well, and at Anfield, it was a great performance from him,” the Dutchman said, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“When he is going there, I think we have a strong couple of keepers with Bayindir and Tom Heaton so we are comfortable. Of course, we are hoping Onana is available as much as possible. But if not, we have two good keepers who can replace him.”
When pushed on his verdict if the 27-year-old was to be called up, Ten Hag said: “We have discussed it but I am very comfortable. I can’t answer this question at the moment but if they call him up, you know the regulations.”
Onana’s absence a blow
Despite the struggles that the 27-year-old endured during the Champions League run, in particular, in the Premier League, the Cameroon international has performed well.
Ten Hag mentioned it but Onana was brilliant against Liverpool and kept the hosts out multiple times when they were pushing for a winner at Anfield.
Bayindir, who has yet to make a single appearance for the Red Devils since his move to the club, would be entrusted with being the number one for United and that may well be a risk but Ten Hag will have to rely on the Turkish international to perform.
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