It’s clear to everyone that Manchester United need to strengthen their first-team squad in January, especially after Sunday afternoon’s defeat to Aston Villa.
Matheus Cunha managed to score his second Premier League goal of the season, but in the end it wasn’t enough for Ruben Amorim’s side to earn a point.
The Red Devils managed to create three big chances at Villa Park, but missed two of them, showing they need reinforcements in their attack next month.
Brian Mbeumo would certainly have finished such an opportunity, but Amorim will not be able to call him up next month due to his participation in AFCON.
As a result, INEOS has begun compiling a shortlist of players that they can target to strengthen their frontline in the immediate and long term.
Man United want to create a £65m Premier League sensation
In recent weeks, United have been just one of the English teams eyeing the signing of PSG sensation Bradley Barcola during the upcoming January period.
The Red Devils are said to be closely monitoring the Frenchman’s progress in Ligue 1, where he has scored five goals in the first 13 games of the season.
However, the Parisians were unwilling to let the 23-year-old go immediately and subsequently put an asking price of £70 million on his head to fend off interest.
He is not the only attacker currently on the radar of INEOS, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo also continuing to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Fabrizio Romano says Amorim’s men are “pressing” to sign the Ghanaian, whose £65m release clause is set to expire on January 10.
Journalist Ben Jacobs also reported that Liverpool held contract talks for the player in November, but that Manchester clubs City and United are now “further along” with their own negotiations.
Why Semenyo sacks Sesco at Manchester United
Manchester United have been no stranger to spending big on new attackers in recent months, as evidenced by the summer signing of Benjamin Sesco from RB Leipzig.
The bosses reportedly paid £74 million to sign the 22-year-old, and such a deal was thought to be the perfect solution to the Red Devils’ centre-forward problems.
However, the move appears to have been a failure, with the Slovenian international scoring just two goals in the process after 13 league games in his Old Trafford career.
His performance against Aston Villa further highlighted his struggles, after which he had just 16 touches on the ball, completed just seven passes and missed out on big chances in front of goal.
However, signing Semenyo will certainly help the youngster in his quest for success in England’s top flight, especially if he can repeat his performances this season.
His scoring record shows his personal qualities, but he has also managed to provide opportunities to impress those around him with his vitality.
Described as “phenomenal” by journalist Josh Wyatt, Semenyo has successfully completed 1.6 take-ons per 90 attempts, and often finds himself in dangerous areas with the ball at his feet.
Antoine Semenyo – PL Stats (25/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 16 |
goals and assists | 11 |
Take-up completed | 1.6 |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.4 |
progressive path | 3.4 |
pass into the opponent’s box | 1.4 |
shot on target | 1.3 |
recovery has taken place | 5.3 |
Statistics by FBref | |
He was also able to add to his impressive performance in the Premier League, as evidenced by his 1.4 chances created per 90, not to mention his goal contributions.
The 25-year-old has made 3.4 progressive passes and 1.4 passes into the opposition box per 90, figures that sit perfectly in Sesco’s hands and could turn around his dismal start to the club.
£65 million is a fantastic price for a player of Semenyo’s quality in the modern market, but it remains to be seen whether he chooses to move to Old Trafford rather than the Etihad.
If he completes a move to join Amorim’s team, it would undoubtedly be another demonstration of INEOS’ intent to return United to their former glory in the coming years.
It could also be a great chance for Sesco to ignite his career at the club, with the duo having a chance to forge a lethal partnership with each other.
Manchester United’s failure is fast becoming the ‘worst’ player signing in INEOS history
Ruben Amorim currently has a big decision to make regarding the Manchester United star’s future.
