Why Manchester United Overlooked Victor Osimhen Due to AFCON Concerns
Manchester United’s former first-team coach, Benni McCarthy, has shed light on the club’s decision to forego a potential signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. According to McCarthy, the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) played a significant role in this choice.
Osimhen, who made headlines for his impressive performance with Napoli during the 2022-23 season, netted 26 goals, helping the Italian side secure its first league title in 33 years. Such a remarkable achievement naturally drew interest from several top European clubs, including Manchester United.
While McCarthy, who was part of the coaching team under Erik ten Hag, believed Osimhen would have been an excellent addition to the Manchester squad, the biennial AFCON tournament posed a dilemma. The competition is traditionally held mid-season and often sidelines players who participate.
“If you invest £100 million in a player, you wouldn’t want to lose him during AFCON,” McCarthy explained in his interview with Newsday on BBC World Service. “I think he would have thrived at United, but AFCON was a considerable hurdle.”
The repercussions of losing a key player for a substantial portion of the season were not lost on United’s management. “Not having your main striker available for crucial matches can harm the team’s performance,” McCarthy added. “The decision ultimately came down to this issue—Victor’s name was scratched off the list due to AFCON considerations.”
Instead, Manchester United opted to sign Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million in August 2023. Hojlund has a proven track record, having scored 26 goals in 95 appearances before his move to the Premier League club.
As for Osimhen, his journey continued to flourish. He was awarded the African Footballer of the Year in 2023, further solidifying his status as one of the continent’s top talents. However, a new chapter began when he left Napoli to join Galatasaray on loan in September 2024, eventually making a permanent switch to the Turkish club last July.
The AFCON tournament’s scheduling not only impacts clubs like Manchester United but also presents a unique challenge for many teams showcasing African talent. As clubs navigate recruitment strategies, the realities of international tournaments often dictate decisions that could alter the course of a player’s career.
Manchester United fans might wonder what might have been had Osimhen joined the squad. With the striker’s remarkable skills and goal-scoring ability, he could have added significant firepower to the team. However, the club’s focus on securing a player who could provide consistent availability throughout the season ultimately guided their strategy.
As football clubs continue to evolve, the balance between talent acquisition and operational logistics, especially regarding international tournaments, remains a critical aspect of their planning.
— Reported by Nexio News
