Andre Onana AFCON 2023 performance threatens his stay at Man Utd

• Andre Onana AFCON 2023 is only driving a wedge between him and his fans
• Many feel that he is not performing as expected
• The Manchester United goalkeeper is in the eye of a storm

Andre Onana AFCON 2023 is only driving a wedge between him and his fans following a resounding 3-1 defeat to Senegal on Friday.

The Indomitable Lions had a date with Senegal’s Teranga Lions and it ended in pure criticism for Onana.

Why Criticise Andre Onana AFCON 2023 Performance?

The Manchester United goalkeeper is in the eye of a storm after Cameroon’s loss to Senegal in their Group C match.

As a consequence of this outcome, Senegal has secured a spot in the knockout phase of the AFCON, staying on track in their pursuit to defend their title.

Their victory over Cameroon put Onana in unchartered waters at home and away.  A majority of fans feel that his performance is a disservice to the Indomitable Lions and Manchester United.

Andre Onana with his national team. Photo/The Independent

Senegal outplayed Cameroon after establishing early dominance, clinical finishing, and Sadio Mane’s last goal.

Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring early, capitalizing on Cameroon’s shaky defense which was their giving to the Teranga Lions’ dominance from the start of the match.

Senegal controlled the midfield, dictating the tempo and stifling Cameroon’s attack. Habib Diallo doubled the lead in the second half, seemingly putting the game to bed.

However, Cameroon roared back with a powerful header from Castelletto, setting up a nervy finale.

Just as Cameroon threatened an equalizer, Mane, the ever-present danger, sealed the win with a composed finish in stoppage time.

Senegal’s defensive solidity, midfield control, and opportunistic finishing proved too much for a spirited but ultimately overwhelmed Cameroon team.

What Will Happen to Andre Onana at Manchester United?

Manchester United supporters have expressed mixed opinions on Onana’s performance following Cameroon’s appalling loss in AFCON 2023.

To give context, Onana reversed his decision to retire from international football in 2023, having reconciled with Cameroon manager Rigobert Song.

Subsequently, he was called up for AFCON 2023 duties amid a rocky season at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old recently played for the Red Devils in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham at Old Trafford before joining the Cameroon squad.

As reported by BBC Sport, Onana’s journey to the Ivory Coast was impacted by severe weather conditions, leading to an unplanned stopover in Abidjan.

The Manchester United player, who promptly departed after the Spurs match, was originally scheduled to arrive in Yamoussoukro, the venue for Cameroon’s first AFCON match.

Erik ten Hag will be deprived of Onana’s presence due to the United player’s AFCON commitments, and the extent of matches he might miss for the Red Devils hinges on Cameroon’s progression.

However, Onana’s position may be in jeopardy as the club is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring a new goalkeeper while he is away with the national team.

Andre Onana. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Quotidiano Sport reports that Ten Hag is eyeing a move for Lazio’s Ivan Provedel before the end of the month. Provedel is seeking an improved contract at Lazio, expressing dissatisfaction with his current terms at the Italian club.

The 29-year-old has been a regular starter in every Serie A game for Maurizio Sarri’s side this season, with Lazio currently occupying the sixth position in the league table.

That is just one point away from the Champions League places. Since joining last summer from Spezia, he has made 72 appearances for the club and even scored for Lazio in the Champions League earlier this season.

Despite having Altay Bayindir as a backup goalkeeper, it is believed that Manchester United does not have full confidence in him.

In the immediate future, Bayindir is expected to deputize for Onana during AFCON. If Cameroon emerges victorious in the tournament, Onana could potentially miss up to five club matches.

Hence, Ten Hag might explore the transfer market to bolster his goalkeeping department as the club endeavours to stay competitive for a spot in the Champions League.

Onana has consistently been in the starting lineup for every Premier League fixture, conceding 29 goals in 21 matches. His inclusion in the team is attributed to his adept on-the-ball skills.

Upon his return, Onana may encounter competition for his position, especially if Provedel secures a contract and continues to impress with a consistent run in the team.