Africa Cup of Nations

Altay Bayindir set for Manchester United run as Andre Onana prepares to head to AFCON

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 28 December 2023

Bayindir set for Man United run as Onana prepares to head to AFCON

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is named in the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, so Altay Bayindir is set for a run in the Red Devils side.

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been named in the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Onana left the Cameroon camp at the 2022 World Cup following a falling-out with head coach Rigobert Song and the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation Samuel Eto'o, which led to him announcing his international retirement.

However, the Man United number one returned to the national team set-up in September, and as expected, he has been included in the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which will run from January 13 to February 11.

The length of Onana's absence for the Red Devils will depend on Cameroon's progression, but their group stage will not conclude until January 23.

As a result, there is set to be a run in the team for Altay Bayindir, who is yet to make his debut for the 20-time English champions following a summer move from Fenerbahce.

Manchester United's Andre Onana looks dejected on September 20, 2023 © Reuters

"When he (Onana) goes there, we have a strong group of keepers with Bayindir and Tom Heaton so we are comfortable," Man United head coach Erik ten Hag recently told reporters when asked about the possibility of Onana heading to AFCON.

"If they call him up, you know the regulations. Of course, we hope Andre is available as much as possible, but if not we have two good keepers who can replace him."

Onana has found it difficult to show his best form for Man United since arriving from Inter Milan over the summer, conceding 43 times in his 27 appearances, only managing eight clean sheets.

The 27-year-old has made a series of high-profile errors, with his performances in this season's Champions League widely criticised, conceding 15 times in six matches.

Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir on September 3, 2023 © Reuters

Bayindir is an eight-time Turkey international, and he gained huge experience during his time at Fenerbahce, making 145 appearances for the Turkish giants in all competitions.

The goalkeeper has also played four times this season, featuring in his former club's Europa Conference League qualification matches, in addition to their Super Lig opener with Gaziantep on August 13.

Bayindir was expected to play in the EFL Cup for Man United this season, but he was surprisingly overlooked, meaning that he is yet to feature for Ten Hag's side.

The 25-year-old's first appearance in the Premier League is set to come against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on January 14, and he will be supported by the experienced Heaton.

Man United will also be missing Sofyan Amrabat due to the tournament in Ivory Coast, with the on-loan Fiorentina midfielder called up by Morocco.