As Manchester United are rumoured to be set for a busy January transfer window, they now seemingly find themselves in pole position for a Premier League star.
Manchester United are enjoying a five-match unbeaten run and seem to have finally found their rhythm after a sluggish start to the Premier League campaign.
The Reds are currently level on points in fifth place, just one point adrift of fourth-placed Sunderland. While a Champions League push looked unlikely before the season began, those ambitions have now been reignited.
A key reason for United’s resurgence is their impressive summer transfer window, which saw several important additions arrive at Old Trafford.
They strengthened their attack with the signings of Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, while also securing goalkeeper Senne Lammens in a deadline-day move.
Man Utd leading the race for Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has emerged as one of the best players in the league this season, scoring six and assisting three for Bournemouth so far this season, leading to the 25-year-old attracting interest from the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool.
The Ghanaian, who has been described as “world-class” by his teammates, has a £65 million release clause in his contract at Bournemouth, with the club being powerless to stop a potential January departure for their star player.
As reported by Fichajes, Manchester United are leading the race to acquire Semenyo’s signature in January, with the forward reportedly valuing the step forward that comes with playing for a club such as United.
The outlet also reports that “It’s hard to believe Manchester United won’t secure the signing of Antoine Semenyo in January”, thanks to the club’s willingness to activate his release clause.
Amorim is known to be a big fan of Semenyo, having reportedly dined with the player after the end of last season amid a £50 million bid from United being rejected by Bournemouth.
Man Utd move doesn’t make sense for either party
While the news that Man Utd could sign one of the stand-out players of the Premier League season for £65 million would certainly spark interest in signing the Ghanaian, a move doesn’t make sense.
United spent around £214 million to bring in their new forward line, with Cunha and Mbeumo set to be the club’s No.10s in the long term.
While United were reportedly interested in bringing in Semenyo last summer, they ultimately opted for Mbeumo, who has also thrived this season.
Due to his versatility, it is thought that Semenyo could slot in as a left wing-back in Amorim’s system, a position that has looked weak so far this season. Still, that proposition would almost certainly be very unappealing for the Ghanaian, whose skill-set is much more suited further forward.
With United desperate for midfield reinforcements, they must add depth to central midfield before considering strengthening elsewhere.
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