Manchester United could save millions on Semenyo’s contract by releasing 17-year-old academy star

Manchester United were determined to do everything in their power to sign Antoine Semenyo this winter. The Ghanaian winger appears destined to leave Bournemouth in the coming weeks, with his contract including a £65m release clause, which expires on January 10th.

Earlier in the week, Fabrizio Romano claimed United were in contention to sign the Cherries star and were “pushing” for a move. However, David Ornstein has since revealed that he intends to turn down the Red Devils. His “hope” is to join cross-city rivals Manchester City.

But what exactly made Semenyo such an important target for Ruben Amorim?

Why Manchester United needed to sign Semenyo

There is no doubt that Semenyo has been one of the most in-form players in the Premier League this season. In 16 games he has already scored eight times and assisted three more goals. Only Erling Haaland and United captain Bruno Fernandes have more goals and assists than his 11.

There is no doubt that Semenyo will bring quality to the Red Devils squad. Former Premier League midfielder turned Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp described the Ghanaian as an “incredibly unique talent” and “very easy to watch”.

But the London-born attacker’s productivity and aesthetic footballing ability aren’t the only reasons why he deserves to sign for United. Semenyo will also bring exceptional versatility to the club.

Bournemouth’s number 24, who became a winger in the trade, could play in one of the No 10 roles since Brian Mbeumo joined United. Alternatively, he could play as a wing-back like Amad and occupy the same zone as a winger. It’s definitely a move that suits Semenyo and will give United more attacking power.

However, Amorim could save a lot of money with this move and free up an academy star to fill a similar role instead.

Manchester United’s in-house replacement Semenyo

Amorim has been criticized for not being used when it comes to United’s academy stars. Of course, that is something that is deeply ingrained at the club, but last weekend we brought Jack Fletcher and Shay Lacey off the bench against Aston Villa, giving both players their first-team debuts.

Perhaps Carrington’s next graduate will be 17-year-old Bendito Mantato. The Manchester-born starlet was also on the bench at Villa Park on Sunday, but manager Amorim did not call him up for his debut.

Mantato has made a huge impact on United’s academy this season. He made 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists. This takes his record in Red Devils academy football up to 19 goals and eight assists.

One of the real advantages to Mantato’s game is the fact that he can function as a wing-back. Described by Como scout Ben Mattinson as “similar to Saka”, the 17-year-old was traded to become a winger like United’s academy star, but he also broke out as a wing-back.

This is surprising flexibility for an inexperienced player and shows he has the qualities to function as a wing-back under Amorim.

Like the tricky Semenyo on the left, Mantato’s speed and directness can certainly cause damage to opponents and could bring good attacking dynamism to United’s squad.

Mantat played a big role for England Under-17s in last month’s World Cup campaign. Playing as a left-back, he displayed great attacking ability, creating an average of 1.2 chances per game and making an average of 2.5 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes.

United are committed to bringing their academy on board. By using Manatat as a wing-back, Amorim will not only make a huge profit for the club by signing Semenyo, but he will continue to lean into the club’s culture, which he had not done much of until Sunday’s trip to the Second City.

Mantat was previously described as “one of the club’s most talented players” in X’s Academy Scoop, and perhaps the time has come for United to unleash a player of his caliber.