Manchester United are eyeing Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as a possible January transfer, with reports saying they plan to use him as an attacking wing-back. The 25-year-old Ghanaian made a huge impression by scoring the Cherries’ opening goal in Monday’s 4-4 draw with United.
His impressive performances have caught the attention of the Red Devils, who are ready to trigger his £65m release clause, which is effective from New Year’s Day. According to the Independent, United are willing to outdo Premier League rivals such as Tottenham and Manchester City to secure Semenyo.
The club’s board and Mr Amorim are said to be particularly impressed with Semenyo’s tactical versatility and consider it to be valuable. Semenyo has enjoyed success as a wide forward for Bournemouth this season, but United envision him as an attacking wing-back, complementing Amad Diallo on the opposite flank.
Mr Semenyo is thought to be open to such a proposal as he considers future career moves.
Even if Semenyo joins United and Amad takes up the left wing-back position on the right flank, Brian Mbeumo will remain in his customary right-forward role under Amorim.
The same goes for Mason Mount, who has appeared in three of the last four games as the left wing of Amorim’s attacking trio. Meanwhile, Matheus Cunha was introduced from the center.
However, Patrick Dorg and Diogo Dalot will be affected as they have played in the left wing-back position this season. Amorim alternates between being in charge of this pair, so it doesn’t seem like he has a set preference.
Speaking at a press conference outside Bournemouth, Amorim said of Semenyo: “They have a special player. They have a lot of good players, but they have a special player in Semenyo. (He) can play with both feet and on both flanks.”
United are keen to sign two other midfielders in addition to Semenyo, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleva and Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson their main targets from January through the summer transfer window.
