**Victor Osimhen: The Man United Deal That Never Was** As the football world continues to marvel at the skills of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, it's interesting to recall a deal that never materialized. According to sources close to Manchester United, the club had strong interest in signing the talented forward, but ultimately decided against it due to a major factor that no doubt will resonate with Nigerian football fans. Osimhen's impressive form at Napoli, where he scored 26 Serie A goals in the 2022-23 season, made him a top target for top clubs in Europe, including Manchester United. In fact, the Super Eagles star was highly rated by the Red Devils' coaching staff, including former coach Benni McCarthy. However, McCarthy revealed that the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) was the main reason the club decided to pass on Osimhen. For Nigerians, this comes as no surprise. Afcon is a major tournament that often coincides with the European season, and players like Osimhen are often required to lead their country to glory. The thought of losing a £100m player for several crucial matches was too great a risk for Manchester United. McCarthy's words are telling: "If you spend £100m on a player, you don't want to lose him for Afcon." The decision to scratch Osimhen's name off the list was likely a difficult one, but the club's management deemed it necessary. So, what happened next? Manchester United signed Danish striker Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta, while Osimhen continued to rise through the ranks, earning the African Footballer of the Year award in 2023. His impressive form has not gone unnoticed, with top clubs across Europe now keeping a close eye on him. With six goals and two assists in seven European matches this season, Osimhen is once again a player to watch. As Nigerian football fans, we can take pride in Osimhen's achievements and the fact that he remains one of the most sought-after players in the world. Who knows what the future holds for this talented striker? One thing is certain, however: Victor Osimhen is a player to watch.