Manchester United's troubled season has taken another dramatic turn as Belgium goalkeeping icon Jean-Marie Pfaff has delivered a brutal assessment of Andre Onana's international future, suggesting the Cameroonian shot-stopper may have played his last game for his country.
International Career Hangs in the Balance
The former Bayern Munich legend didn't mince words when discussing Onana's situation, telling Het Nieuwsblad: "If you leave during a World Cup, you're out for me. You don't do that. You don't leave your teammates behind."
Pfaff's comments reference Onana's dramatic exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a falling out with Cameroon manager Rigobert Song, which has cast a long shadow over the goalkeeper's international prospects.
United's £47m Gamble Faces Fresh Scrutiny
The timing couldn't be worse for the 27-year-old goalkeeper, who has endured a challenging start to his Manchester United career since his £47 million summer move from Inter Milan. Onana's high-profile errors have contributed to United's worst start to a season in decades, with the team crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage.
Pfaff expressed sympathy for Onana's club struggles but remained firm on the international situation: "I feel sorry for him at Manchester United, but leaving your national team during a World Cup? That's unforgivable."
Erik ten Hag's Faith Tested
The situation presents another headache for United manager Erik ten Hag, who pushed for Onana's signing to replace David de Gea. The Dutch manager has repeatedly backed his number one, but the constant scrutiny and now questions about his international future add another layer of pressure.
With Cameroon's African Cup of Nations campaign looming, the decision about Onana's participation could become a major distraction for player and club alike.
What Next for United's Number One?
As United prepare for their crucial Premier League fixtures, Onana faces the dual challenge of rediscovering his best form at club level while navigating the complex politics of international football. Pfaff's stark warning suggests the road back to the Cameroon setup may be longer and more difficult than anticipated.
The coming months will prove crucial in determining whether Onana can silence his critics at Old Trafford and whether the doors to international football will ever fully reopen.
