Manchester United are reportedly conceding defeat over losing Andre Onana to the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024. However, fellow summer signing Altay Bayindir is impressing in training ahead of an anticipated run in the first team.
United could be without Onana for up to six matches across the Premier League and FA Cup in January and February next year. That will come as a blow to Erik ten Hag who has already been without several key first-team players for large chunks of the season.
Onana had a difficult start at Old Trafford following his £47.2million arrival from Inter Milan. He made a number of high-profile errors but has started to settle into life in England, keeping back-to-back clean sheets in the top flight.
He had retired from international duty last December after a falling out with Cameroon boss Rigobert Song. But Onana made himself available for selection again in September and has played in games against Burundi and Senegal.
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The Mirror claims United thought his international career was over when they signed him in July. However, the same report now says they are resigned to him going to the Africa Cup of Nations.
United have held discussions with Onana but are powerless to stop him going. That will open up a chance for Bayindir to stake his claim.
The Turkey international joined the Red Devils on deadline day for a fee of around £4.3m. The 25-year-old had four years at Fenerbahce but is yet to play a single minute for United.
Ten Hag resisted the chance to play Bayindir in the Carabao Cup, a competition United are now out of following a 3-0 loss to Newcastle. But he would be next in line to play if and when Onana leaves for international duty.
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The Mirror claims Bayindir has impressed United staff and Onana in training. The report says Onana has been so impressed with him that he has told friends he is the best No 2 goalkeeper he has worked with in his career.
Onana is said to be worried that he may not get his spot back in the team if Bayindir shines in his absence. He is yet to make a final decision on whether to go to AFCON and that is one reason behind his deliberation.
United are preparing to be without Onana, though. Ten Hag said last month that Bayindir had caught the eye at Carrington.
He said: “He makes a very good impression in training, he’s really developing, progressing. So we’re very happy with that and we are convinced we have the two right goalkeepers in our squad to do the job for us.”
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