Manchester United have had a busy summer transfer window, reshaping their attack. They signed three new players, including two from the Premier League, and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig of the Bundesliga. The Slovenian has scored twice in the league so far.
England’s top flight signings have started better. Bryan Mbeumo, currently absent at the CAN, took over with eight goals and assists in the United jersey. Matheus Cunha hit four goals and looked brilliant outside of those numbers.
Bringing in elite players has worked well for United, so it’s perhaps no surprise that they are considering doing the same in January.
Man Utd accelerate plans for January
The Red Devils have been linked with a number of Premier League stars in recent weeks. Two of the most prominent reports suggest they are preparing a move for England midfield duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
However, they could also look to add another striker. Esteemed journalist Fabrizio Romano says Ruben Amorim’s side are “pushing, pushing and pushing” to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
Romano claims they held talks on Monday with his agent as they worked out a formal offer for the player’s services. He has a £65 million release clause at the Vitality Stadium, which must be activated by January 10.
This will be far from a simple deal for United to complete, however. As Romano pointed out, they are looking to get this deal done quickly as Manchester City are also in talks with his camp. The journalist described it as “the battle of Manchester”, which United hope to win.
Why Semenyo could be Man Utd’s new Valencia
Without a doubt, Semenyo, 25, has been one of the most in-form players in the Premier League in 2025/26. He has been described as a “world-class” operator by Cherries teammate Justin Kluivert, and it’s easy to see why.
In 16 appearances so far this season, the Ghanaian has found the back of the net eight times and provided three assists. Only two players, Bruno Fernandes and Erling Haaland, have more Premier League goals this season than Semenyo.
It’s easy to see why United are keen to sign the winger this winter. In addition to having an eye for goal, as his numbers show, he is a dynamic ball carrier who likes to drive the full backs. As football scout Ben Mattinson said, he’s an “explosive” winger. His goal against Fulham earlier this season shows exactly that.
Indeed, looking at his underlying numbers from this season really reinforces the theory that he is an elite rusher. He averaged 1.6 completed shots per 90 minutes and was a constant threat in the final third, creating 1.4 chances in each game.
|
Semenyo’s key stats in 25/26 PL |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistical |
Per 90 minutes |
Season total |
|
Goals and assists |
0.8 |
11 |
|
Conversion rate |
23.53% |
23.53% |
|
Opportunities created |
1.4 |
21 |
|
Supports completed |
1.6 |
25 |
|
Duels won |
6.4 |
102 |
|
Squawka Statistics |
||
The debate over where Semenyo would play if he were to join United is certainly interesting. He is a winger by trade, but could well end up playing as a winger under Amorim.
This is something that makes this deal similar to when United signed Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic. Of course, the Ecuadorian had a long and successful career at Old Trafford, captaining the club and making 339 appearances, scoring 25 times and assisting 58 times.
When he signed for United, the 2011/12 Player of the Year winner was a winger, a role in which he shone for the Latics. He also played this role at Old Trafford early in his career, but eventually made the transition and became a full-back.
It’s certainly something Semenyo could end up doing, albeit a little higher up the pitch as a winger rather than a full-back. On top of that, joining a club outside the big six is ​​what Valencia have done with great success.
The former United skipper was also a direct player, as Semenyo is now, who liked to charge at players with an explosive outburst, similar to that described by Mattinson of the Cherries star. The similarities are obvious.
£65million is a pretty steep fee for the January transfer window, but there’s no doubt that Semenyo’s quality would add to United. If he could make it half of Valencia’s career at Old Trafford, he would be hugely successful.
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