Manchester United could be set to lose out on one of their transfer targets, as Liverpool are now eyeing a potential move worth £75 million.
Manchester United were among the busier Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window, especially in the final days. Senne Lammens didn’t officially join the club until after the deadline, while Jason Wilcox had to focus on removing the final members of the “Bomb Squad”.
The focus for Rúben Amorim was improving his attack, due to Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s goal-scoring troubles last season. Despite missing out on Liam Delap, United brought in several attackers, who have already shown their class in a red shirt.
Matheus Cunha was the first senior signing of the summer transfer window, costing £62.5 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was the first-choice left-sided attacking midfielder at the start of the season, but is now in competition with Mason Mount.
Bryan Mbeumo has nailed down the right-sided No.10 role, forcing Amad back to right-wing-back and Diogo Dalot to the left side. The former Brentford man appears to be forming a solid partnership with Benjamin Šeško up front.
Šeško has already found the net twice for United, but the Red Devils may continue to make attacking signings in the coming transfer windows, especially if Joshua Zirkzee looks to leave the club after reports stated he was unhappy with his current game time.
Liverpool eye move for Semenyo as price now set
Before United chose to sign Cunha, they were heavily linked to Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, with some reports saying that Amorim joined the winger for dinner to discuss a potential transfer. While interest seems to have cooled recently, it would be unwise to rule out a transfer in the future.
However, TalkSPORT have now reported that Liverpool are a “big admirer” of Semenyo and could look to make a move in January or at the end of this season. Mohammed Salah’s future could decide if Arne Slot’s side approaches Semenyo.
United agreed personal terms with Semenyo in the summer transfer window, but set a limit of £55 million and were priced out of a transfer. Bournemouth are now demanding £75 million for the attacker, seven times the price they paid for him in 2023.
Semenyo already has six goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, but some feel that he could be an astute wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, or an option as a natural winger if a future manager returns to a back four formation.
United will stay clear of Semenyo
Despite his brilliant form this season, United are unlikely to make a move for Semenyo while Amorim remains in charge at Old Trafford. He already has so many options in attacking midfield, and would need to offload before bringing in a new signing.
If Semenyo is signed to play at wing-back, then United could explore the possibilities of a move, but Liverpool’s interest could seriously hamper Amorim’s chances of signing Semenyo.
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Patrick Dorgu and Diego Leon – while both young and inexperienced options – are likely to be the left-wing-back options for the coming years, although Harry Amass has impressed on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
The right-wing-back position could make room for a new signing, but Amorim’s love for Amad is well known, and Dalot appears to be another favourite. Noussair Mazraoui can also fill in there, while Jayden Kamason and Bendito Mantato are options for the future. Semenyo just isn’t needed at wing-back or attacking midfield.
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