Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo for a potential January transfer, with plans to utilise him as an attacking wing-back. The 25-year-old Ghana international made quite the impression in Monday’s 4-4 draw against United, scoring the opening goal for the Cherries.
His stellar performance has caught the attention of the Red Devils, who are prepared to trigger his £65million release clause, which becomes active from New Year’s Day. According to the Independent, United are ready to outmanoeuvre their Premier League rivals, including Tottenham and Manchester City, to secure Semenyo’s services.
The club’s board and Amorim are said to be particularly impressed by Semenyo’s tactical versatility, which they consider valuable. Despite Semenyo’s successful stint as a wide forward for Bournemouth this season, United envisage him in the role of an attacking wing-back, complementing Amad Diallo on the opposite flank.
Semenyo is thought to be open to such a proposition, as he contemplates his future career moves.
Should Semenyo join United and take up the left wing-back position with Amad on the right, it wouldn’t affect Bryan Mbeumo, who would continue in his customary right forward role under Amorim.
The same applies to Mason Mount, who is preferred by Amorim and has featured in three of the last four fixtures on the left side of the attacking trio. Matheus Cunha, meanwhile, was deployed through the centre.
Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot would be affected, however, as they have both occupied the left wing-back position this season. With Amorim alternating between the pair, it doesn’t seem that he’s determined a preference.
Discussing Semenyo in his pre-Bournemouth press conference, Amorim said: « They have a special player. They have many good players, but they have a special player in Semenyo. [He] can play both sides with both feet. »
Beyond Semenyo, United are keen to recruit two midfielders, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson primary targets across the January and summer transfer window.
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