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There was a moment towards the end of Cameroon’s dramatic AFCON win against Gambia on Tuesday when it looked like Andre Onana might be back in Manchester in time to maintain his monopoly of the gloves in Erik ten Hag’s side.

When Ebrima Colley put Gambia 2-1 ahead with five minutes to play, Cameroon were heading out of the tournament and Onana could consider an earlier-than-expected return from his vantage point on the touchline.

The 27-year-old has had a bizarre tournament. Arriving too late to play in his country’s opener after delaying his departure until after the draw with Tottenham, he was beaten by all three shots on target against Senegal and was then dropped for the third game. With Cameroon’s tournament in tatters, Onana was in the technical area urging his teammates to keep going.

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Two late goals rescued the Indomitable Lions and Onana will remain in the Ivory Coast this weekend, rather than taking up station in the United goal at Rodney Parade. He might have to make do with the bench once again for Cameroon’s last-16 tie, but victory there would mean he would miss Premier League games against Wolves and West Ham.

In his absence, Ten Hag will be forced into the one change he hasn’t made this season. While injuries and illness have robbed him of the chance to build up partnerships and rhythm across the pitch, Onana has played every minute of every game until now.

Even for goalkeepers, that is a rare occurrence in the modern game and United will be the last of the 20 Premier League clubs to rotate their goalkeepers this season. The other 19 clubs in the division have all started at least two different