Benni McCarthy explains the Osimhen snub at Manchester United, citing AFCON concerns and missed opportunity at Old Trafford

Former Benni McCarthy, who served as a first-team coach at Manchester United between 2022 and 2024, has disclosed that concerns over the Africa Cup of Nations played a decisive role in the club’s Osimhen snub during the 2023 summer transfer window.

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Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker who had just led Napoli to the Serie A title, was among the top names on Manchester United’s shortlist.

However, the club opted against pursuing the Nigerian forward despite strong internal interest.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Benni McCarthy explained that the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations presented a significant obstacle.

The tournament, which takes place mid-season, would have ruled Osimhen out of several crucial fixtures.

Benni McCarthy said the club was reluctant to invest heavily in a striker only to lose him during a demanding stretch of the campaign.

Benni McCarthy added that the absence risk ultimately led decision-makers to move in a different direction.

Manchester United instead signed Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund for £72 million.

The transfer, however, failed to deliver the expected impact at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Hojlund later departed in 2025 to join Napoli, effectively replacing Osimhen after the Nigerian completed a permanent move elsewhere.

Following an initial loan spell in Turkey, Osimhen sealed a €75 million transfer to Galatasaray after a prolific campaign in which he scored 37 goals and registered eight assists.

The clinical forward helped Galatasaray secure the Turkish Super League title, reinforcing the view that the Osimhen snub may have cost Manchester United a transformative presence in attack.

Transfer speculation has continued despite Osimhen’s permanent switch, with several European clubs reportedly monitoring developments.

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Meanwhile, Benni McCarthy’s revelation adds a compelling new layer to one of the most debated transfer decisions of recent seasons.