Andre Onana's Surprising AFCON Exclusion: A Win for Manchester United?

Andre Onana, Manchester United's formidable goalkeeper, finds himself at the center of a surprising development. On December 1, 2025, Onana was shockingly excluded from Cameroon's squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This decision has reverberated across the football community, raising eyebrows and stirring questions about Cameroon's strategic direction.

Cameroon manager David Pagou opted for four other goalkeepers, leaving Onana on the sidelines. Despite being on loan to Turkish club Trabzonspor, where he managed to secure three clean sheets in 11 appearances, Onana's exclusion has left fans and analysts alike pondering the rationale behind Pagou's decision. Is it a tactical move, or is there more beneath the surface?

For Manchester United, this unexpected turn of events comes with a silver lining. Onana's absence from the AFCON means he remains available for the Red Devils during a critical period in the Premier League. With Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui set to represent Ivory Coast and Morocco respectively, Manchester United faces the festive fixtures with three key absentees. Onana's presence could be a vital boost for manager Amorim, who will need all hands on deck to navigate the challenging schedule.

The news, confirmed by Sky Sports and other major outlets, has left the football world buzzing with speculation. Could this exclusion be a blessing in disguise for Manchester United? Only time will tell how this unexpected twist unfolds, both for Onana's international career and United's domestic ambitions.