MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag is still in the dark as to whether Andre Onana is heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ten Hag insists he has the back-up goalkeepers to cope if his Cameroon No 1 is called up for next month’s tournament.
GettyAndre Onana could be out for at least four Man Utd matches[/caption]
GettySummer buy Altay Bayindir is still waiting for his big chance[/caption]
GettyTom Heaton played in pre-season but has scant competitive experience for Utd[/caption]
All the signs are Onana, 27, WILL be heading to the Ivory Coast, meaning he is unavailable for at least four games.
That would hand a first chance to untried Altay Bayindir or veteran Tom Heaton, 37, who has started twice in 2½ years.
Yet Ten Hag is adamant that would not be an issue.
The Dutchman said: “We have a strong couple of keepers with Bayindir and Tom, so we are comfortable.
“Of course, we are hoping Onana is available as much as possible. But if not, we have two good keepers who can replace him.”
With Onana’s imminent exit only a couple of weeks away, it is unthinkable that Ten Hag is still unaware whether he will be going.
But when pressed on the fact, he claimed: “I can’t answer this question at the moment but if they call him up you know the regulations.
“We have discussed it but I am very comfortable.”
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Turkey international Bayindir, 25, was a £4.3million buy from Fenerbahce in September, but has not featured despite Onana’s shaky start.
The Cameroon stopper returned to international duty in October after initially retiring when he was sent home from last year’s World Cup after a bust-up with boss Rigobert Song.
He has played every game for United since signing from Inter Milan for £43.8m in the summer, but has dropped a series of clangers.
Yet he impressed in last week’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool and retains the backing of Ten Hag.
Ten Hag said: “Andre has performed very well in the Premier League and at Anfield he was great.”
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