Benni McCarthy reveals how AFCON concerns denied top striker Man United move

Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has revealed how a top African striker missed out a dream move to Manchester United because of the Africa Cup of Nations.

McCarthy, who worked under manager Erik ten Hag for two seasons from 2022-2024, was at Old Trafford when the club was heavily linked with the prolific Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen while he played for Napoli 2023.

Despite widespread speculation, a deal for the now Galatasaray striker never came to fruition.

Speaking to the BBC, South Africa’s all-time top scorer explained that the prospect of losing a marquee signing for a significant period mid-season was a major deterrent for the club’s hierarchy.

Benni on AFCON denying Osimhen Man United move

“If you spend £100m on a player, you don’t want to lose him for AFCON,” McCarthy stated. “I think he would have been very successful there [Man United]. But it [AFCON] was a big stumbling block.”

The timing of the tournament, which typically takes place in January and February, clashes with a crucial part of the European club calendar. McCarthy noted that the potential absence of a star player during this period was too great a risk for United to take.

“Losing him for so many important matches, the team suffers not having the main striker there,” he added. “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.”

Osimhen ultimately remained at Napoli before securing a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray in 2024. McCarthy, who left Manchester United earlier the same year, is now the head coach of the Kenyan national team.