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Why Manchester United Passed on Signing Victor Osimhen: Insights from Benni McCarthy
Victor Osimhen’s Rise to Prominence
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has rapidly become one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, following an outstanding 2022–23 Serie A campaign where he netted 26 goals. His prolific scoring was instrumental in Napoli clinching their first Italian league championship in over three decades, cementing his status as a top-tier talent.
Inside Manchester United’s Recruitment Deliberations
Benni McCarthy, former first-team coach at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, recently shed light on why the Red Devils ultimately decided against signing Osimhen. McCarthy, who was actively involved in scouting and recruitment discussions, revealed that Osimhen was initially a prime candidate for the club’s striking needs.
“He was at the very top of our list and I genuinely believed he would have been a perfect fit for United,” McCarthy shared during an interview with BBC World Service’s Newsday.
The Africa Cup of Nations: A Major Obstacle
Despite Osimhen’s appeal, the scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) emerged as a significant deterrent. The biennial tournament frequently overlaps with the European football season, meaning key African players often miss crucial club matches.
McCarthy explained, “If you invest £100 million in a player, you don’t want to lose him for several important fixtures due to AFCON. Losing your main striker for an extended period can severely impact the team’s performance. This was a major stumbling block in our decision-making process.”
Impact of AFCON on Transfer Strategies
The timing of AFCON has increasingly influenced European clubs’ transfer policies, especially when targeting African stars. Clubs weigh the risk of player unavailability during pivotal parts of the season, which can disrupt team dynamics and results. This factor led Manchester United to remove Osimhen from their shortlist, prioritizing squad stability over potential talent acquisition.
Manchester United’s Alternative Signing
Instead of Osimhen, Manchester United secured Danish forward Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta in August 2023, investing £72 million in the young striker. Højlund’s availability throughout the season and his promising skill set aligned better with United’s strategic needs.
Osimhen’s Continued Success
Following his tenure at Napoli, Osimhen moved to Turkish giants Galatasaray, initially on loan in September 2024 before making the transfer permanent the following July. His impact was immediate, playing a key role in Galatasaray’s victory over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League playoffs.
In recognition of his outstanding performances, Osimhen was honored as the African Footballer of the Year in 2023, underscoring his status as one of the continent’s premier talents.
Conclusion
While Victor Osimhen’s talent was undeniable, Manchester United’s cautious approach—primarily influenced by the scheduling conflicts posed by the Africa Cup of Nations—shaped their transfer decisions. This case highlights the complex considerations clubs face when balancing player quality with availability, especially in today’s global football landscape.
