Antoine Semenyo has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, raising questions about how he would fit into Ruben Amorim’s team.
Manchester United made five signings during the summer, including Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international instantly became a star player in the team, and it is understood that he was the preferred option over Antoine Semenyo in the summer.
The Red Devils also welcomed fellow attackers Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to the squad, but 2026 could see Ruben Amorim bring more forwards to the club.
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Semenyo remains a United target, and his release clause will become active in January, prompting a list of Premier League clubs to the negotiation table.
It has been argued that Semenyo could play three roles at United, but some might say Amorim already has Mbeumo and should focus on strengthening his midfield because Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are not getting any younger.
Antoine Semenyo training with Bournemouth
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Antoine Semenyo not keen on wing-back role at Man Utd
Bournemouth won’t want to lose Semenyo mid-way through the season, but they won’t have much say in the matter if a club activates his release clause.
Semenyo has six goals to his name already this season and is rated among the top players in the Premier League.
However, if he were to join United, the 25-year-old may be tasked with playing as a wing-back to fit into Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
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Respected football journalist Ben Jacobs doesn’t believe Semenyo is keen on the idea of playing wing-back, so it may go against United if they try to sign the winger.
Speaking on The Football Terrace, Jacobs said: “I’m not so sure, speaking to sources, that I buy this idea they would sign Semenyo and convert him eventually as a left-wing-back.
“I think Semenyo would put a roadblock to that idea and say to all suitors he wants to be a winger. The player will be able to stipulate to all clubs what he expects, which is to be a starter and to be a winger.”
If United learn that this is Semenyo’s genuine stance, they are more likely to avoid pursuing a deal than scrapping their wing-back heavy system.
Amorim has stressed repeatedly that he doesn’t plan to change his system.
What position does Antoine Semenyo play?
Semenyo can play in most roles across the final third.
Should Man Utd pay Antoine Semenyo’s £65m release clause in January?
The Ghana international is brilliant with both feet and can operate on either flank, in an attacking midfield role or as a winger.
The Bournemouth star can also play up front with his blistering pace proving to be a task for most defenders in the Premier League.