Manchester United's former first-team coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that the Africa Cup of Nations schedule was the primary reason the club did not pursue signing Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker, who scored 26 league goals for Napoli in 2022-23, was initially at the top of United's recruitment list but was ultimately scratched off due to Afcon's timing.

McCarthy, who worked under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, explained that losing a player for a month during the European season was unacceptable for a £100 million investment. United instead signed Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million in August 2023. The decision highlights the ongoing tension between club commitments and international tournaments, particularly affecting African players whose national team obligations often clash with European league schedules.

Osimhen eventually joined Galatasaray on a permanent deal last July after a loan spell, having been named African Footballer of the Year in 2023. The Confederation of African Football's recent decision to make Afcon a quadrennial tournament from 2028 may alleviate such transfer complications in the future, though McCarthy believes the tournament should have retained its biennial schedule with better coordination to avoid clashing with club competitions.