FIFA rules state that the club were obliged to release him for international duty on January 1, but they will keep him for an extra fortnight. It leaves Onana with a tight turnaround as he jets straight off to the Ivory Coast, where the tournament is being held.

The Daily Mail reports that Cameroon, who begin their campaign against Guinea, were understanding towards United’s situation as Onana had retired from international football when they signed him, only for the goalkeeper to reverse his decision in September.

Depending on how far Cameroon go in AFCON, Onana could yet return having not missed a single game, with United not next in actual until February 1 due to the winter break. But that would require an early exit from one of the favourites for the tournament and, in his absence, Altay Bayindir will deputise having arrived in the summer.

Onana has by no means been a roaring success since his switch from Inter Milan. Despite his obvious ability with the ball at his feet, basic errors have led directly to goals as United endure one of their worst seasons in decades.

Andre Onana will play for Man Utd 24 hours before heading off to AFCON ( Image: Getty Images)

Last month Ten Hag defended his goalkeeper, using stats to underline his impressive impact. “If you analyse it well then you see he is the second-best goalkeeper in the Premier League based on stats, so his expected defending goals is the second best in the Premier League,” he said.

“He’s doing well. Also he knows that in the Champions League he makes some mistakes but all over you see the first five months he is doing particularly well.” United have so far conceded 27 goals in their 20 league games with Onana an ever present in between the sticks.