Antoine Semenyo will slot directly into Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United starting XI if the Red Devils secure a £65m transfer fee for the Bournemouth star.
Manager Ruben Amorim has not ruled out a move to Manchester United in January and only wants players who can strengthen the squad even after Amad, Brian Mbeumo and Nouseir Mazraoui return from AFCON. It won’t necessarily be an easy task, but it could help the Portuguese coach start this season.
United could go into Christmas in fifth place if they win against Aston Villa, and the new signing could be a timely boost for Amorim, who has already strengthened his squad in the summer with the likes of Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesco. Perhaps other areas will also require attention.
Asked if the funds would be available in the transfer window, Amorim said: “Let’s wait and see.” “The only thing we know is that we only try to bring in players that we think are the future.
“It’s not going to save anything at the moment to deal with losing three players to AFCON. Even if we try to take one player, it might not be a position where we need more. It’s not going to happen.”
“We’re going to call up the best players for our future now and at the end of the season. We don’t know what’s going to happen, but we can do something.”
read more: Ruben Amorim sends candid message to Koby Mainu about Man United’s futureread more: Transfer News LIVE: Bruno Fernandes’ Man United release clause, Arsenal loan, Semenyo latest updates
Let us know what you think. Who was Manchester United’s best player throughout 2025? Vote on the official Mirrorman United WhatsApp channel
Antoine Semenyo could be the frontrunner given the opportunities his £65m release clause gives him. The Bournemouth star wants to move to Liverpool but has already met Amorim last summer.
The Portuguese manager is said to be interested in using Semenho as a wing-back should he arrive and is not satisfied with his current options. If the United manager returns to his favorite formation, attacking wing-backs Amad and Semenyo could feature.
The duo will slot in alongside the back three of Lenny Yolo, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, and will play in front of Senne Ramens. Luke Shaw would be a strong candidate for the spot, but Martinez’s passing could give him an edge.
United’s midfield could see further reinforcements, with the center of midfield being a priority area for the club. The Guardian reported that Ruben Neves is one of the options as his contract with Saudi Arabia ends.
Neves, 28, costs £20m in the area but could pose significant wage demands as he earns more than £350,000 a week. Conor Gallagher could be an alternative option, but United are said to be interested in Bournemouth ace Tyler Adams.
Neves will be a strong candidate to start alongside Bruno Fernandes and maintain possession. Tyler Adams may provide more sturdiness, but he is currently out injured and adding a second midfielder could only open up the possibility of an Old Trafford exit.
United’s important summer business led to Fronsley’s decision. If Sesco can keep Mason Mount in the side, Mbeumo and Cunha will provide him with plenty of support.
United’s projected lineup: Lamence. Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez. Amad, Neves, Fernandes, Semenho. Mbeumo, Sesco, Cunha.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
