Benni McCarthy has explained why Manchester United did not sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in 2023.
The South African served as United’s first-team striker coach under Erik ten Hag. He previously had a successful spell with South African top-flight side AmaZulu FC. His efforts in his homeland had a significant impact on the online betting industry there.
AmaZulu FC became a popular pick with the bookmakers featured on the official BettingTop10 website during McCarthy’s time with the club. While AmaZulu failed to defy the odds in the title race, McCarthy’s spell was one of the most successful managerial tenures in the club’s history.
McCarthy eventually left in March 2022 with the highest points per match (PPM) in the club’s history at the time (1.52), before joining Ten Hag’s backroom staff four months later.
Why United Never Made a Move for Osimhen
McCarthy revealed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule was a major reason why United opted against formalising their interest in Osimhen.
The Nigerian international was one of the most in-demand players in the transfer market after firing Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years with 26 league goals. McCarthy had a say in deciding which strikers United brought in at the time and was keen for the club to sign Osimhen. He thought the Nigerian would be a perfect fit for the Red Devils.
However, the AFCON schedule ultimately forced United to explore other targets. The competition generally falls in the middle of the European season, so they would have been without the striker for at least a month if they had signed him.
Despite being a target for the club, McCarthy revealed they were reluctant to pay big money just to lose him during the AFCON tournament.
“If you spend £100m on a player, you don’t want to lose him for AFCON,” McCarthy said. “I think he would have been very successful there. But 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 AAFCON, and Osimhen’s name got scratched off – not a player of interest because of that.”
United eventually signed Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. However, that decision blew up in their faces as Hojlund struggled to replicate his goalscoring form or live up to his potential. The Denmark international scored just 26 goals in 95 appearances for United before joining Napoli on loan last September. He replaced Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray.
McCarthy Hoping to Succeed with Kenya
McCarthy did not renew his two-year deal with United when his contract expired in June 2024. He was appointed as Kenya’s national team head coach the following March.
He replaced Engin Firat, who failed to guide Kenya to AFCON qualification. McCarthy has enjoyed a decent spell in Kenya, although his efforts were not enough to help the Harambee Stars book a place in their first-ever World Cup.
However, he led Kenya to the quarter-final of the African Nations Championship. McCarthy’s side finished top of Group A with a near-perfect record. They took 10 points from a possible 12, with a 1-1 draw against Angola the only blemish on their otherwise perfect record.
Kenya finished as the group winners despite being drawn alongside Morocco and DR Congo. However, their African Nations Championship journey ended in the first knockout round.
The Harambee Stars were eliminated in the quarter finals by Madagascar, losing 4-3 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in normal time. McCarthy’s early days in the Kenyan dugout suggest the squad is in competent hands.
