Ten Hag addresses goalkeeping conundrum amid Onana's AFCON participation

With the 27-year-old Cameroon international likely to join his national team for the tournament in Ivory Coast, United could miss him for at least four crucial games. This scenario has raised questions about the depth and readiness of United's goalkeeping options.

Despite the looming uncertainty, Ten Hag remains confident in his squad's depth. He has expressed trust in the abilities of the alternative goalkeeping options - the up-and-coming Turkish international Altay Bayindir and the experienced Tom Heaton. 

Bayindir, a recent acquisition from Fenerbahce, is yet to make his mark in the team, while Heaton, with minimal game time in the past two and a half years, stands ready as a reliable veteran. 

According to reports from the Sun, Ten Hag said, “We have a strong couple of keepers with Bayindir and Tom, so we are comfortable.”

Amidst the critiques of Onana's performances, including some noticeable errors since his summer transfer from Inter Milan, Ten Hag has stood firmly behind his goalkeeper. 

Highlighting Onana's recent commendable performance in the goalless draw against Liverpool, Ten Hag stated, “Andre has performed very well in the Premier League and at Anfield, he was great.” 

This support showcases Ten Hag's management style and belief in his players' abilities, especially in high-stakes situations.

Overall, while the absence of Onana could pose challenges for Manchester United, Ten Hag's proactive approach and confidence in his squad's depth appear to mitigate the potential impact. His leadership will be crucial in navigating this period, ensuring the team remains competitive in Onana's absence.