Africa Cup of Nations Concerns Derailed Manchester United’s Pursuit of Victor Osimhen

Manchester United’s decision not to pursue Victor Osimhen during Erik ten Hag’s tenure was significantly influenced by concerns surrounding the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), according to former first-team coach Benni McCarthy.

Osimhen’s Rise and United’s Initial Interest

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen garnered attention from top European clubs following a stellar 2022-23 season where he scored 26 league goals, leading Napoli to their first Italian Serie A title in 33 years. McCarthy, who was part of the coaching staff at Old Trafford, revealed that Osimhen was initially at the top of United’s list of potential striker targets, believing he would have been a “perfect fit” for the team.

The Afcon Factor

However, the biennial Afcon tournament, which often takes place mid-season, proved to be a major obstacle. McCarthy explained that the club was hesitant to invest a substantial fee – potentially £100 million – in a player who would be unavailable for a significant period due to international duty. “If you spend £100m on a player, you don’t want to lose him for Afcon,” McCarthy told the BBC World Service Newsday. “I suppose he would have been very successful there. But it [Afcon] was a big stumbling block.”

The concern was that losing their main striker for crucial matches would negatively impact the team’s performance. United ultimately decided against pursuing Osimhen.

Alternative Signings and Osimhen’s Career Path

Instead of Osimhen, Manchester United signed Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million in August 2023. Hojlund subsequently joined Napoli on loan in September 2024, after making 95 appearances and scoring 26 goals for United.

Osimhen, who was named African Footballer of the Year in 2023, initially joined Galatasaray on loan in September 2024 before securing a permanent transfer to the Turkish club in July 2025. As of February 13, 2026, Osimhen has made 30 appearances for Galatasaray during his loan spell, scoring 26 goals, and has added 9 goals in 16 appearances since making the move permanent. Victor Osimhen’s Wikipedia page provides further details on his career.

Osimhen’s International Career

Currently vice-captain of the Nigeria national team, Osimhen has earned 51 caps and scored 35 goals for his country. He was a key member of the Nigerian teams that won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2015 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, and was a runner-up in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.