Manchester United in talks to sign ‘generational’ £87m star player

It was hard not to be encouraged by the courage and resilience shown by Ruben Amorim’s makeshift Manchester United team on Friday night. The hosts hung on to secure an important 1-0 win against Newcastle United.

The Magpies’ attack after attack was repelled amidst a merry-go-round of changes to the Red Devils’ backline, with 19-year-old Aiden Haven producing the only standout performance in the defensive unit and earning the Man of the Match gong.

The teenager’s task was undoubtedly made even more difficult given the plight of the players ahead of him, with United’s continued absence of attacking emphasis meaning they had few out-balls in the second half of that hard-fought game.

Could Amorim’s side have brought the Ghanaian’s blistering ball-running speed, which was evident in the thrilling 4-4 ​​win over Bournemouth so recently, back onto the pitch with the speed and power of someone like Antoine Semenyo?

Unfortunately, it looks increasingly likely that the 25-year-old will move elsewhere next month, with INEOS and United likely looking at suitable alternatives instead.

Manchester United hold talks over alternative options for Semenyo

Semenyo could be set to follow suit, with United believed to have balked at a £70m-plus move for the former Bristol City player, who signed Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo from Premier League rivals in the summer.

With the January season looming on the horizon, Old Trafford officials appear to have reignited their interest last week after it was suggested that a release clause in his contract could allow them to sign the in-form forward for a fee of £65m.

Frustratingly for United and other top-flight rivals, Semenyo has reportedly chosen the Etihad as his preferred destination for 2026, with Manchester City likely to ultimately win the race for his signature, according to David Ornstein.

With that in mind, Amorim et al may be changing their focus, with TEAMtalk reporting that the club have “joined the hunt” for RB Leipzig sensation Yann Diomande.

According to reports, United were the last member of the traditional Big Six to show an interest in the 19-year-old, with INEOS already holding talks with the teenager’s camp in recent weeks.

The article notes that a move is likely to take place in the summer, although previous speculation suggested he could be available for a fee of around £87 million.

Why Diomand is “similar” to Semenyo

It was once again clear on Friday night that a handful of absentees could leave United, with United looking desperately short at the top end of the pitch, finishing the game with Patrick Dorg on one side and Diogo Dalot on the other as their two most forward wide options.

With Amad and Mbeumo without players to rely on, and with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho sent off, Amorim really needs that extra spark to spark his team in the final third.

Even if the Red Devils had to wait until next summer, Semenyo, who has already scored nine Premier League goals this season, would definitely have achieved that, although young Diomande might be the next best option.

In fact, The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor notes that the two are “physically similar” and Diomande has “exactly the same skills and touch” as his senior.

The similarities can definitely be seen in his scoring streak from the 2025/26 season to date, with the Leipzig starlet currently on AFCON duty scoring six goals and providing two assists in the Bundesliga so far.

Like Semenyo, the £87m youngster is a true two-footed talent, with Diomande scoring four of his goals with his right and two with his left, according to Sofascore.

The Ivorian’s most notable attribute is his quick dribbling ability, ranking him in the top 1% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues in take-ons per 90 points and in the top 3% in progressive carries per 90 points, according to FBref.

As well as being an attacking outlet, Diomande also contributes defensively from a wide range of positions, ranking in the top 3% for interceptions and in the top 11% for tackles per 90, no wonder journalist Bence Boksak hailed him as a “generational talent”.

For comparison, Semenyo also holds his own defensively, ranking in the top 3% in blocks per 90 and aerial duels won over the past 365 days.

It is, of course, the latter player who is currently attracting attention in the Premier League, but if United want to find a longer-term, high-potential replacement, Diomande could very well be that man.