Spending money in the transfer market has been no stranger to Manchester United over the past couple of years, with INEOS heavily backing various Old Trafford managers.
Since the summer of 2022 alone, the hierarchy have spent over £800million on new additions, but it’s safe to say they have failed to produce the desired effect in the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim was only able to lead the team to 15th place last time out, with the 40-year-old now eighth in 2025/26, but that could be about to get tricky for the manager.
Many of its key starters are expected to return with their respective nations for the CAN at the end of December, which could leave the team bare in many areas.
As a result, the board have drawn up a plan that could see plenty of rich talent moving to Old Trafford in the January transfer window.
United looking for new signings in January
Over the past few days, Real Madrid star Rodrygo has appeared on United’s radar again, but it appears a deal to sign the striker could prove tricky.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all reportedly monitoring the Brazil international’s progress, which could lead to a bidding war in the winter window.
He has fallen down Xabi Alonso’s pecking order over the past couple of months, which could see him leave the Bernabeu in a deal worth around £70 million.
However, he is not the only player mentioned with a potential move to Old Trafford, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo another player apparently on their radar.
According to Football Insider, INEOS have identified the 25-year-old as the ideal player to join the club in January to strengthen the front line at the AFCON.
The report also states that the player has a £65million release clause which will become active in the new year, with a fee the board are looking to activate and fast-track a deal for.
Why United’s £65m target would be Cunha 2.0
Investing heavily in Premier League players who have attracted attention in recent times is another thing United have done, as shown by the deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves over the summer.
The Brazilian scored 15 times in England’s top flight last season, leading to massive interest from the Red Devils and Amorim during the recent summer window.
As a result, the board shelled out £62.5million for the striker’s signature, with Cunha just one of three strikers signed to make a difference in the final third.
During the first few months of his Manchester career, the 26-year-old struggled to replicate his best form, as evidenced by his tally of one goal in his first 11 outings.
However, there is still plenty of time for the big money addition to resurrect his career at Old Trafford, especially if Semenyo decides to move on in the coming months.
They could play together, or the Ghana international could overtake him in the pecking order – which could come to fruition when comparing their numbers.
In 2025/26, Semenyo has vastly outperformed Cunha in many key areas, with the Cherries star the ideal man to improve the front line in 2026 and beyond.
The 25-year-old, dubbed ‘the best winger in the country’ by Chris Waddle, has already scored more goals and assists this season, demonstrating his incredible ability in front of goal.
Semenyo also made more runs into the final third, while achieving a higher success rate, with such numbers making him a much better ball carrier than the Brazilian.
|
How Semenyo and Cunha compare in PL (2025/26) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (by 90) |
Seményo |
Cunha |
|
Games played |
13 |
11 |
|
Goals and assists |
9 |
1 |
|
Target shooting accuracy |
52% |
40% |
|
Progressive ports |
3.5 |
2.8 |
|
Progressive passes |
3.7 |
3.6 |
|
Supports completed |
1.9 |
1.7 |
|
Assume success |
53% |
52% |
|
Crosses completed |
1.7 |
1.6 |
|
Jumps won |
2.3 |
0.8 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
||
His dominance over the United star is also reflected in his higher number of completed crosses per 90, such a tally demonstrating his ability to add end product to his labyrinthine runs.
Other numbers, such as a higher shot on target accuracy rate and a better passing accuracy rate, highlight his overall dominance in attacking areas.
£65 million for a player of Semenyo’s quality would be an excellent deal, with such a move softening the blow of the absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo at the AFCON.
However, given the money spent over the summer, it would be another huge investment, with support certainly there – but it’s up to Amorim to get a feel for the current crop of players at his disposal.
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