Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been criticized by compatriot and former Cameroon International Sébastien Bassong for “Sending a bad message” following the decision to delay his departure for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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Why Is Andre Onana Still With Manchester United?
Controversy Dogs Manchester United Keeper’s Africa Cup of Nations Decision
As reported by ESPN, Manchester United held talks with the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and the two parties struck an agreement that would see the Red Devils goalkeeper remain with the club until after their crucial Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. He would then join up with his national team late and miss Cameroon’s AFCON opener against Guinea the following day.
Taking place in the middle of the domestic European season, AFCON has always caused consternation among club managers. Some view it as a distraction which costs them vital weeks with their star players, and as a result, points in key games.
On the other hand, it is a vitally important competition for the African continent and is often perceived to be treated with disrespect and contempt by those outside the continent.
Sébastien Bassong and others such as Patrick Vieira have criticised the complaints surrounding the timing of AFCON and its inconvenience to European domestic competitions, arguing that the tournament “deserves more respect” and that it should be recognised to be as important as the European Championships.
Former Tottenham & Norwich Defender Sebastian Bassong: ‘Andre Onana Should Be Punished’
The long-held disregard for Africa’s premier continental competition needs to change, and that starts with players respecting their countries and joining up with their squads on time. Former Premier League defender Bassong has criticised the Manchester United keeper and told the BBC:
“It’s out of order from both sides. It’s disrespectful from Manchester United to request Onana to do such a thing and it’s really low from Onana to even consider it.
That sends such a bad message, not only for Cameroon, but for the respect people will have for the Africa Cup of Nations and for the way they should treat us, the equality.
“If we don’t even respect ourselves how can you expect other people to treat you any different? I like Andre, I’ll always have his back when I have to, but when things like that happen.. the nation, the pride of the country and the continent is way above an individual person. For me, he should stay home and be punished.”
Why Did Manchester United Seek to Delay Andre Onana’s Departure?
Manchester United signed Onana in the summer with the belief that the former Inter Milan and Ajax stopper was effectively in international retirement following a disagreement with FECAFOOT. The Cameroon International had been sent home from the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, following a disagreement with manager Rigobert Song over the keeper’s preference to keep the ball and play out from the back.
Despite reports of a poor relationship between the United number one and FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o, the latter appears to have given his blessing for Onana to join the squad late as a way of compensating the Red Devils.
He will now travel to the Ivory Coast immediately after the final whistle of Manchester United’s crucial home clash with Ange Postecoglu’s Tottenham side, joining club teammate Sofyan Amrabat who is representing Morocco at the tournament.
