Former Manchester United first team coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that the club decided against pursuing Victor Osimhen due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule, despite the striker being “at the top of the list” in recruitment discussions.
McCarthy, who worked under then-manager Erik ten Hag, said Osimhen would have “fit perfect” at Old Trafford following his 26 goal Serie A season with Napoli in 2022-23 that helped the club win their first league title in 33 years. However, the biennial AFCON tournament, often held during the European season, meant United risked losing their main striker for crucial matches.
“If you spend £100m on a player, you don’t want to lose him for AFCON,” McCarthy explained. “Losing him for so many important matches, the team suffers. So the decision was made. A big part was because of AFCON, and Victor Osimhen’s name got scratched off.”
United instead signed Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72m in August 2023. Osimhen, later crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2023, joined Galatasaray on loan in September 2024 before completing a permanent move in July 2025.
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