Onana's place in the United goal under threat

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana fears he could lose his place in the first team by going to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with Altay Bayindir patiently waiting in the wings.

Onana came in for more criticism following the 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, having been culpable for all three goals that United conceded.

The Cameroon international has already committed a series of high-profile errors since making the switch from Inter Milan in the off-season and the calls for Bayindir to be given a chance in goal has only intensified.

Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag is happy with the progress being made by the Turkey international, who has yet to make his debut for the club after joining from Fenerbahce on transfer deadline day, and stressed that his opportunity will come in due time.

“We are very pleased with Altay. He gets used to Premier League, he gets used to European football, which is tough when you are coming from Turkey but the process we are very pleased with,” Ten Hag said.

“He is doing very well. He has to be patient but if he works well, if he keeps his progress, he will get his chances and he has to take this.”

Onana could miss up to six games for Ten Hag’s side if he chooses to represent the Indomitable Lions at the African showpiece, which runs from January 13 to February 11 next year.

Should Bayindir impress during that period for United, the former Ajax star could lose the No. 1 jersey and there are reports that he could be banned from playing for the club if he decides to reject the call-up from his national team, according to FIFA rules.