Manchester United’s Andre Onana included in Cameroon’s AFCON squad

Follow live coverage of Arsenal vs West Ham in the Premier League today

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been included in Cameroon’s 27-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Onana had retired from international duty last year following a disagreement with Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), at the World Cup in Qatar.

Erik ten Hag said earlier this month that United were “in talks” to allow Onana to play for Cameroon in AFCON, adding that “he has to go” if they call him.

However, while he has been called up to the squad, it is currently unclear whether Onana will choose to represent his country. The Athletic reported in November that he is yet to make a definitive decision regarding his participation in the tournament taking place from January 13 to February 11 next year.

Sources close to Onana have previously suggested that his hesitation in representing his country is linked to a strained relationship with Eto’o. The 27-year-old, however, featured in Cameroon’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mauritius last month.

Although FIFA’s regulations on the status and transfer of players (RSTP) typically require players to “respond affirmatively” to national team call-ups, Onana’s situation poses a unique challenge. The rules do not seem to account for cases like his, where a player has explicitly informed their association of their desire to no longer be selected at the international level but is still called up.

United, meanwhile, have stressed that they will support Onana in whatever decision he makes. They have been in discussions with Cameroon, as noted by Ten Hag, to foster alignment among all parties and establish a clear understanding of each other’s perspectives.

If Onana opts to take part in AFCON, he is anticipated to miss at least four Premier League matches, comprising home clashes against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, along with away games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa. His potential participation in the FA Cup third round tie against Wigan Athletic on January 8, meanwhile, would appear unlikely.

The commitment to AFCON could also raise questions about Onana’s availability in an FA Cup fourth-round tie on the weekend of January 27-28, should United progress.

Onana has featured in 27 matches across all competitions for United this season, who are next in action this Saturday against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

(Naomi Baker/Getty Images)