Former Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana has had a troubled start to his career in the Premier League with Manchester United, and if the reports in the British press are to be believed, his relationship with the club is set to become even more fractious.
When Onana left Serie A for England, he had retired from international duty. But after a change of heart, the Cameroonian keeper has reversed his decision and decided to play for his country again.
Onana has already played against Burundi in September and Senegal in October. Now he has reportedly told United management that he wishes to play in the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of 2024.
Poor start for Onana and Manchester United
Manchester United have made a poor start to the 2023/24 season. Already they have fallen way behind rivals Manchester City in the league table.
Manchester City are 4/9 to win the league. Manchester United has Premier League betting odds of 100/1. The latest Paddy Power football odds also say that United are seventh favourites to finish in the top four at odds 7/2.
That puts them behind teams like Aston Villa, never mind Manchester City and Liverpool.
Is Onana putting his United career at risk?
Andre Onana has already made a series of high-profile mistakes in his short time at Old Trafford. The club is reportedly considering finding a replacement for him.
As unlikely as those reports sound, at this early stage, if Onana does decide to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, at the very least, he would be putting his long-term place in the starting eleven at risk.
But the real damage he would be doing is further eroding trust between himself, his manager and the football club.
As things stand, Erik ten Hag and the football club have both supported Onana after his high-profile blunders.
Along with the club understanding when they signed him that Onana wouldn’t be going to the Africa Cup of Nations, they might feel that the goalkeeper owes them.
Both Ten Hag and Manchester United may well feel that Andre Onana should stay at the club, rather than potentially miss up to six matches in the new year.
If Onana does decide to go, his employers may well feel he hasn’t just let them down but also has been disrespectful and insulting after the club has backed him.
Such a move from Onana could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Would Inter Milan want Onana back?
If Manchester United does get fed up with Andre Onana and make him available for transfer, then what chance does he end up back at the San Siro?
Looking at the performances of Yann Sommer, the chances of a return for Onana would have to be slim. Most observers believe it was great business by the club to sell Onana for £45 million and bring in the experienced Sommer from Bayern Munich.
Sommer has been a revelation at the San Siro. The fans love him, and his performances have ensured that the loss of Onana has barely been noticed.
It would have to take something pretty remarkable to happen for Inter to go back in for their former keeper given the current state of affairs.
