Andre Onana: Leaky Man United keeper departs for AFCON2023 after conceding more goals

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has finally departed to report for duty for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Onana will join his Indomitable Lions of Cameroon teammates ahead of their AFCON opener against Guinea slated for Monday evening. 

The Cameroon shot-stopper has endured a shaky start to life in England following his move to Manchester United from Inter Milan last summer. 

Onana’s howlers have cost the Red Devils dear this season across competitions, with the former Ajax man nearing 50 goals conceded in just less than four months at the club.

Despite heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike, Manchester United reached a cordial agreement with FECAFOOT to keep the goalkeeper until the day before their AFCON kickoff.

The deal saw the 27-year-old Cameroon international feature in United's FA Cup third-round tie against Wigan Athletic and their game against Spurs at Old Trafford.

Onana will now look to rebuild confidence at the Africa Cup of Nations, after letting two more goals in the Premier League against Tottenham on Sunday.

Per Pulse Sports, there's a mutual understanding and respect between Manchester United and the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) regarding Onana's situation. 

Initially signed from Inter Milan last July under the impression that he had retired from national team duty, Onana was later convinced to rejoin the national team. 

United respects Onana's decision, influenced by his sense of national pride and patriotism, acknowledging the difficult balance between club and country loyalty.

With the goalkeeper now en route to Cote d’Ivoire, the 2023 hosts, it is left to be seen if he will be in goal when the Indomitable Lions take on Guinea in their first game slated for 6 pm Nigerian time.