Manchester United set to lose Onana for up to seven games for the Africa Cup of Nations

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana could be absent for up to seven matches in the new year after Cameroon qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Cameroon booked their place at the tournament in Ivory Coast by beating Burundi 3-0 on Tuesday to win Group C. Onana played in the victory, having returned to the Cameroon national team.

As a result, the £47 million signing from Inter Milan is expected to represent Cameroon at AFCON 2023, which runs from January 13 to February 11.

If Cameroon progress to the final, Onana would miss four Premier League matches against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa. He could also be absent for both legs of a potential Carabao Cup semi-final, as well as an FA Cup fourth round tie if United reach those stages.

The first Champions League knockout rounds also take place after the AFCON final, meaning Onana would face a rushed return to action with United if Cameroon enjoy a deep run in the tournament.

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Christopher Wooh and Vincent Aboubakar secured Cameroon’s place at the finals, where they topped Group C with seven points, ahead of Namibia.

With Onana facing absence, United may have to rely more on back-up goalkeepers Tom Heaton and the recently signed Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce.

Meanwhile, United loanees Sofyan Amrabat of Morocco and Amad Diallo of Ivory Coast could also feature at AFCON 2023. Hannibal Mejbri may also represent Tunisia.

United return to domestic action this Saturday with a home match against Brighton. But they could be without Onana when league fixtures resume in late December.