Manchester United ended up purchasing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford in this transfer window, but could it have been another Premier League winger that nestled at Old Trafford?
Ruben Amorim, all things considered, will be delighted with his summer transfer window thus far. First, Matheus Cunha was brought in from Wolves, in a statement signing from the Red Devils, prying away one of the Premier League’s finest talents.
Then, Bryan Mbeumo arrived, arguably the bigger coup. The Cameroonian was sensational for Brentford the season prior and the one before that.
Bryan Mbeumo unveiled as a new Manchester United signing
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko then followed Mbeumo, but could there have been another star linking up at Old Trafford?
Sources: Manchester United looked into Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has already dazzled in the Premier League this season, scoring twice against champions Liverpool on their opening day in Bournemouth colours. But could he have been donning a Red Devils strip instead of a Cherries one?
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey believes so, stating that United were interested in Semenyo’s signature, but it would have been difficult considering he signed a contract extension.
“He was on Manchester United’s radar before they signed Bryan Mbeumo. But yeah, once Semenyo signed his new contract, that was done and dusted.
Bailey continues: “Now, it’s completely off the table for the summer. Does it come back again in January? Let’s see how his form progresses. It’s a World Cup year; he’s got the AFCON as well. But yeah, he may be something for next summer.
“I wouldn’t have thought anything, but you never know – if he goes on a run of form, never say never. He’s a player who a lot of these top clubs like.
Liverpool v Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
“That said, teams are still going to keep tabs on his form. Let’s see what type of season he has – if he ends up scoring 30 goals, then he’ll be back on the radar.”
Arsenal, and indeed Liverpool, also had Semenyo interest, and it’s no surprise considering how he picked Arne Slot’s side apart in matchweek one.
Manchester United have bigger problems than Semenyo
Granted, Semenyo is top class, but there are glaring issues that need to be fixed before splashing what was rumoured to be £75m on the Bournemouth winger.
A goalkeeper is of the essence, with the calamitous Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir evidently out of Amorim’s good books.
"Micah, this is big boy stuff!"
Roy Keane and Micah Richards trade blows over Altay Bayındır's decision-making for Arsenal's goal… 😬 pic.twitter.com/6B0Cb5NpCH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2025
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Plus, a competent six. Amid a failed Carlos Baleba pursuit, United do have other cheaper options. These are certainly the two positions of interest around Old Trafford.
Never say never in future with Semenyo, but the ship has probably sailed on the Cherries winger.