Victor Osimhen: Copyright: Imago
Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why the club decided against signing Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, despite strong internal interest, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen became one of Europe’s most wanted forwards after scoring 26 Serie A goals during the 2022-23 season to help Napoli win their first Italian league title in 33 years. His pace, strength and finishing made him a major target for elite clubs across Europe, including Manchester United.
McCarthy, who worked as a first-team coach under manager Erik ten Hag, said the Super Eagles attacker was highly rated during recruitment discussions at Old Trafford.
However, one major factor forced the club to change direction: the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria are regular contenders at the tournament and often progress deep into the competition, meaning Osimhen could miss several crucial matches during the European season.
McCarthy explained that this risk played a decisive role in United’s thinking.
“If you spend £100m on a player, you don’t want to lose him for Afcon,” McCarthy said via the BBC.
“I think he would have been very successful there. But it [Afcon] was a big stumbling block.
“Losing him for so many important matches, the team suffers not having the main striker there.
“So the decision was made. Literally [a] big part was because of the Afcon and Victor Osimhen’s name got scratched off – not a player of interest because of that.”
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Man United moved on as Osimhen’s career took another path
Instead of pursuing Osimhen, United signed Danish striker Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta in August 2023.
Osimhen’s career, meanwhile, continued to rise. He was crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2023 before leaving Napoli to join Galatasaray on loan in September 2024. The move later became permanent in July 2025 after an impressive spell in Turkey.
Now 27, the Nigeria international is once again attracting attention from Europe’s biggest sides. Clubs such as Liverpool FC, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Juventus and Atlético Madrid are monitoring his progress following strong performances in the Champions League.
Osimhen has scored six goals and provided two assists in seven European matches this season and could help Galatasaray reach the Round of 16 if they avoid a heavy defeat away to Juventus in Turin.