Andre Onana is due to play for Cameroon in the African Cup of Nations on January 15th, but Manchester United are still able to field their goalkeeper in the game against Tottenham Hotspur just a day earlier.
It has been a season of contrasting fortunes for both Tottenham and Manchester United so far. Ask Spurs fans how they feel and the majority will tell you how happy they are with Ange Postecoglou‘s transformation of the team in the first half of the campaign.
Speak to any United fan, however, and you’ll likely hear a very different story. Erik ten Hag’s men have struggled for consistency this term, and disillusionment is growing within Old Trafford as the weeks go by.
The Lilywhites, currently sat in fifth place and just one point off the top four, will travel to the home of the Red Devils in just under a fortnight looking to make a real statement by defeating one of their Big Six rivals.
Will Andre Onana play against Spurs?
Both Spurs and United are facing the prospect of losing key players for the big game due to the African Cup of Nations, but ten Hag’s side have found a way to keep hold of their goalkeeper, Andre Onana.
The Daily Mail first reported that Manchester United were discussing the matter with Cameroon in the hopes of delaying Onana’s departure to the tournament so that he could play against Spurs. The Guardian and other sources have since confirmed that Cameroon have agreed to the deal.
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Premier League clubs were “obliged” to release all AFCON participants on January 1, with the tournament kicking off on January 13. Cameroon’s first game takes place on January 15, but United’s plans would have the 27-year-old playing at 4:30 pm the day before.
Onana will then have a seven-hour flight and play for his country at 5 pm the next day.
Spurs Web Opinion
It’s so strange to see a player play in a Premier League game and then be expected to play international football 24 hours later. To be fair, though, with the form Onana is in, I am sure Spurs fans would rather him play.
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