A report this week claims Manchester United might splash upto £170 million for two players. They are Elliot Anderson and Antoine Semenyo. The very idea sends pulses racing among fans. Will two exciting talents join one of England’s biggest clubs? It sounds sensational, and if true, could reshape United’s squad overnight.
Manchester United and their targets: Anderson, Semenyo
Manchester United have struggled recently. They finished 15th in 2024-25 season. The Old Trafford club spent heavily on new signings in the summer. Their aim is to fix a team that badly needs quality and squad depth. Elliot Anderson and Semenyo have earned growing reputations in the Premier League. Anderson has impressed at Nottingham Forest. He has impressed everyone with his midfield control. Semenyo, now at AFC Bournemouth, has emerged as a dangerous forward option. Last season he had 19 goal contributions while this season he has managed already 9 G/A. He can play in different attacking positions.
The Main Story
The report of the £170 million “double deal” is from a former United scout closely connected to recruitment. According to the Football Insider, Anderson and Semenyo are viewed as top targets by United’s boss Ruben Amorim. Both can add key qualities to the team. Anderson brings energy, midfield drive and long-range ability. Semenyo can offer pace, versatility and attacking threat.
But the reality seems more complicated. On Anderson, while some outlets claim Forest demand as much as £100–120 million, other insiders feel that is excessive. Indeed, a number of analysts believe he could be secured for significantly less. Laurie Whitwell has stated him as the primary target for United.
For Semenyo, reports suggest his release clause could be around £65 million, which already puts him in high demand by rival clubs too. But recent updates from Fabrizio Romano indicate United may not be actively pushing for him. The club’s immediate focus may lie elsewhere.
Player Spotlight
Elliot Anderson: 23-year-old England international midfielder. He plays for Nottingham Forest. He is known for energy, passing, shooting and control.
Antoine Semenyo: 25-year-old Ghanaian winger/forward. He plays for AFC Bournemouth. He brings pace, versatility, work rate.
Reactions from the Global Fan Base
Fans and pundits have reacted with both excitement and scepticism. On social media, some supporters thrill at the prospect of reinforcing with two rising stars, calling it a bold, ambitious move. Others however, including longtime United watchers feel the supposed fee tag is bizarre. They argue that overpaying for potential rarely ends well. On Reddit, one fan wrote after seeing the talk of £100–120 million for Anderson:
“£100-120m is way too much, maximum I’d pay is 50–60m.”
Similarly, whispers suggest United might ultimately prioritise other signings.
The Impact of the “Double Deal”
If United manage to land either or both players — especially within a reasonable fee structure — it could significantly boost their competitiveness. Anderson would add midfield depth and creativity, possibly helping United control games better. Semenyo would solve attacking bursts, offer versatility on wings or upfront, and add much-needed goal threat.
On the flip side, if United overpay (as rumours suggest) or fail to get either, it may highlight structural issues: mismanagement, unrealistic valuations, or flawed transfer planning. That could affect not just team performance — but fan confidence, ability to attract top talents, and long-term squad building.
The interest, whether it leads to signings or not is not just a mere rumour. It signals United’s intent to compete seriously for top-tier status in upcoming seasons.
Author’s Insight
The £170 million double-deal headline makes for sensational reading. But the facts paint a more cautious picture. United’s interest in Anderson and Semenyo seems real. But their valuations, contract realities and competition from other clubs make a winter blockbuster anything but certain. United may not bid for Semenyo in this winter. They will try to bring improvement in other positions.
As featured on ManUNews.com