It has been revealed how close Manchester United came to signing a Premier League star who scored 11 goals in the league last season.
Manchester United’s focus in the transfer window was very clearly to improve their attack, after a dismal season in front of goal in Rúben Amorim’s first campaign in charge of the Red Devils.
With Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho all leaving in the summer, bringing in new attacking reinforcement was crucial, especially in the attacking midfield positions behind the centre forward.
For just over £130 million, United brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, while Benjamin Šeško was an addition later in the transfer window.
The Slovenian’s arrival led to Rasmus Højlund’s departure from Old Trafford, as he would’ve been the third-choice striker behind Šeško and Joshua Zirkzee.
The three new attacking additions should help Amorim convert more good performances into victories, something the Portuguese manager struggled with towards the back end of last season.
Semenyo could’ve joined United this summer
It has been confirmed that United were close to signing AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season, by Duncan Castles on X.
The report states that the Red Devils made contact with Bournemouth back in March, and Amorim even dined with the winger, but a deal never came to fruition.
While United agreed personal terms with Semenyo, they set a £55 million limit on the transfer and were eventually priced out of the deal when Tottenham Hotspur entered the race.
In the end, the Ghana international stayed at Bournemouth and signed a new contract, while United moved for another attacking midfield option in Cunha and Mbeumo.
It is clear that Amorim favours a left-footer on the right side and a right-footer on the left, but Semenyo is brilliant on both feet and could’ve provided more versatility to the United squad.
United are better off with Cunha and Mbeumo
While Semenyo would’ve been a great addition to Amorim’s squad, United are better off with the alternative options in Cunha and Mbeumo.
Cunha’s dribbling ability has already helped United progress the play, and very nearly led to an unbelievable goal against Arsenal after a deft touch past Ben White.
While Mbeumo’s two-footed finishing ability makes him the perfect partner for Amad on the right side, the Cameroonian’s crossing will also result in several goals for Šeško this season.
Unlike Semenyo, both can play through the middle as a centre-forward, allowing Šeško more time to settle into life in Manchester before becoming the main goal threat at Old Trafford.
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