Former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy has disclosed that the biennial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament was the decisive factor in the club’s decision to abandon a potential move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. McCarthy, who was involved in recruitment under manager Erik ten Hag, revealed that Osimhen was initially ‘at the top of the list’ of targets following his spectacular 26-goal season that propelled Napoli to the 2022-23 Serie A title. The South African coach believed the Nigerian’s robust playing style and mental fortitude made him a ‘perfect fit’ for Old Trafford. However, the prospect of losing a hypothetical £100 million signing for a critical period during the European season proved too significant a risk for the club’s hierarchy. United’s apprehension centered on the tournament’s traditional scheduling in January and February, which would deprive the team of its primary striker during a congested and decisive phase of the domestic campaign. This concern ultimately led United to divert their attention and secure the signature of Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million in August 2023. Osimhen, despite being crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2023, later moved to Galatasaray, initially on loan in September 2024 before making the transfer permanent. McCarthy expressed personal disappointment at the outcome, lamenting the persistent club-versus-country conflict that affects African players. He suggested the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could better synchronize the tournament with FIFA and UEFA to avoid clashing with major European league schedules, perhaps by utilizing the June-July window, despite the lack of player rest it would cause. In a significant development, CAF has since announced that AFCON will transition from a biennial to a quadrennial event starting in 2028, a move intended to better align with the global football calendar and potentially alleviate such recruitment dilemmas for European clubs in the future.