Manchester United's Decision Against Signing Osimhen

Manchester United's decision not to sign Victor Osimhen was influenced by the potential overlap of the biennial African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament with the European football season. Benni McCarthy, a former first team coach at Manchester United, explained that Osimhen, who scored 26 league goals in the 2022-23 season and helped Napoli secure their first Serie A title in 33 years, was considered a perfect fit for the club.

However, the club's management, led by current coach Erik Ten Hag, was concerned about the implications of losing their main striker during crucial matches due to AFCON commitments. Consequently, Manchester United opted to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million in August 2023 instead.

Hojlund had previously scored 26 goals in 95 appearances and joined Napoli on loan in September 2022. Osimhen's name was ultimately removed from Manchester United's list of targets, while he was later named African Footballer of the Year for 2023.