Manchester United had a busy summer transfer window rebuilding their attack. They brought in three new players, two from the Premier League and Benjamin Sesco from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. The Slovenian has so far scored two goals in league matches.
Signings from within England’s top flight are off to a good start. Brian Mbeumo, who is not currently taking part in AFCON, gave his all in a United shirt, scoring eight goals and providing an assist. Matheus Cunha has been involved in four goals and is showing sharpness beyond that.
Bringing in players from within the top flight has worked well for United, so it might not be surprising to see them consider doing the same in January.
Manchester United strengthens January plans
The Red Devils have been linked with a number of Premier League stars in recent weeks. Two of the most high-profile reports suggest that England are planning a move for midfield duo Elliott Anderson and Adam Wharton.
However, they may be considering adding another attacker. Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has said Ruben Amorim’s side are “continuing to push” for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
Romano claims he held discussions with his agent on Monday to consider making a formal bid for the player’s services. He has a release clause of £65 million at the Vitality Stadium and must be activated by January 10.
But this is not an easy deal for United. As Romano stressed, Manchester City are also in talks with the club, so they hope to finalize the deal quickly. The reporter described it as a “Battle of Manchester” where United want to win.
Why Semenyo could be Manchester United’s new Valencia
Without a doubt, 25-year-old Semenyo was one of the Premier League’s most in-form players in the 2025/26 season. Cherries teammate Justin Kluivert described him as a “world class” operator 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 have been involved in more goals in the Premier League this season than Semenho: Bruno Fernandes and Erling Haaland.
It’s easy to see why United would want to sign a winger this winter. In addition to having an eye for goal, as his numbers show, he is a dynamic ball carrier and likes to drive at full-back. He is, as football scout Ben Mattinson puts it, an “explosive” winger. His goal against Fulham earlier this term showed just that.
In fact, looking at his basic numbers this season really strengthens the theory that he has an elite career. He averages 1.6 successful take-ons per 90 minutes and creates 1.4 chances per game, making him a consistent threat in the final third.
Semenyo 25/26 PL Key Statistics | ||
|---|---|---|
status | per 90 minutes | Season total |
goals and assists | 0.8 | 11 |
conversion rate | 23.53% | 23.53% |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.4 | twenty one |
Take-up completed | 1.6 | twenty five |
won a duel | 6.4 | 102 |
Squawka statistics | ||
The discussion of where Semenyo would play if he moved to United is certainly an interesting one. He is a winger by trade, but could end up playing as a wing-back under Amorim.
This is one of the elements 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 goals and providing 58 assists.
When he first signed for United, the winger won the 2011-12 Player of the Year award and played a brilliant role for the Latics. He also played that role at Old Trafford early in his career, but eventually switched to full-back.
This is something that could end up happening, even though Semenyo would be a little higher up the pitch as a wing-back rather than a full-back. In addition to that, signing from a club outside the big six is a huge success for Valencia.
The former United captain was also a direct player, much like the current Semenyo, and liked to drive players in with explosive bursts, just as Mattinson described the Cherries star. The similarities are obvious.
£65m is a lot of money in the January transfer window, but there is no doubt that Semenyo’s quality will bring him even more to the table. If he can achieve half of what Valencia achieved in his career at Old Trafford, he will be a huge success.
INEOS have already signed the ‘beast’ that could end Ugarte’s Manchester United career
Manchester United already have talent that could have a big future at Old Trafford.
