Andre Onana flew straight to AFCON last night after Manchester United played Tottenham at Old Trafford – with less than a day to make it to Cameroon’s tournament opener.
The United goalkeeper delayed flying out to the Africa Cup of Nations so he could take part in the critical Premier League clash with Spurs, which finished 2-2.
It was a busy day for the 27-year-old between the sticks as United battled to a draw in front of Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the first time since his partial takeover.
And as fans filtered out of Old Trafford at around 6.30pm, Onana faced his quick turnaround knowing his nation will begin their quest for glory at 5pm on Monday.
Mail Sport understands that Cameroon intend Onana to be on the bench for their Group C encounter with Guinea.
Andre Onana smiled as he caught a flight out to AFCON after Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham
United finished their match against Spurs at around 6.30pm on Sunday and Cameroon wil play against Guinea at 5pm on Monday
His distant cousin Fabrice Ondoa, who plays in the French third division, is expected to take the gloves for the match.
Cameroon, managed by former Liverpool and West Ham player Rigobert Song, will face Guinea, Senegal, and Gambia in their group.
Senegal are the defending champions after winning the tournament for the first time by defeating Egypt the last time it was held.
Onana missed Cameroon’s warm-up game against Zambia to play in the 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Wigan last week.
The fact that United fought so hard to get him to stay and play against Wigan sends a dispiriting message to United number two Altay Bayindir.
Onana, who they signed from Inter Milan for £47.1million, had his work cut out against Tottenham.
Rasmus Hojlund gave the Red Devils an early lead but Richarlison headed in a corner 16 minutes later and Onana could have come out for it.
Marcus Rashford put the home side ahead again before Rodrigo Bentancur resotred parity after half-time.
Onana missed Cameroon’s warm-up game against Zambia to play against Wigan and was kept busy against Tottenham
Mail Sport gave Onana a six for his performance against Spurs, feeling he could have come out for the corner that Richarlison scored from
Mail Sport gave Onana a six for his performance, while Hojlund and Rashford stood out, scoring an eight and a seven respectively.
Jim Ratcliffe was pictured alongside Sir Alex Ferguson as he attended his first game since completing his £1.3bn investment in the club for a 25 per cent stake.
His INEOS team will take sporting control of the club’s operations and wholesale changes once their investment is ratified by the Premier League.
Ferguson is currently a director on United’s football board and joined Ratcliffe in executive seating at Old Trafford as Spurs made the visit for the club’s first home game of the New Year.
The 82-year-old has offered advice to the club since his retirement in 2013 and is expected to be involved in discussions again as Ratcliffe and his business partner Sir Dave Brailsford prepare to make changes in United’s structure.
Speaking at an informal get-together with the media before Sunday’s match, he said: ‘It’s the first match for me since we got here.
New investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) and Sir Alex Ferguson (right) were seen chatting at Old Trafford
Ratcliffe was all smiles ahead of watching his first game at Old Trafford since his investment
‘I am very excited to be here, but I can’t answer any questions really.. It’s a big match. We normally do well against Spurs.’
‘Correct. Yes. I have done a few exciting things but there is no question. It’s taken a few turns, as you know, but these things take some doing. (It will be completed) early to mid-February. Hopefully we don’t find anything dodgy!’
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