Manchester United are seriously considering launching a January move for Antoine Semenyo - but Ruben Amorim's plan for the £65m star may surprise some
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo impressed for Bournemouth against Manchester United
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Manchester United are planning to use Antoine Semenyo as an attacking wing-back if they manage to sign him during the January transfer window, it has been claimed.
Semenyo, 25, impressed for the Cherries in the 4-4 draw against United on Monday and scored his side's opening goal. The Ghana international drove from the right channel and into the box before firing an inch-perfect shot into the bottom corner, giving goalkeeper Senne Lammens little chance.
And according to the Independent, United are willing to move for Semenyo next month. He has a £65million release clause in his contract that is active from New Year's Day and the Reds are prepared to jump ahead of their Premier League rivals - including Tottenham and Manchester City - to secure his signature.
It's added that United feel they have a strong chance at his signature, and are preparing to make a move in January. Amorim and the club's board are said to admire Semenyo's tactical versatility, which they view as valuable.
Although Semenyo has been used as a wide forward for Bournemouth this season to great effect, United have a vision of him playing as an attacking wing-back with Amad Diallo on the other side.
Semenyo is thought to be open to such a move, as he considers his own future.
Eli Junior Kroupi is congratulated by teammate Antoine Semenyo after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth
Semenyo continues to be linked with a move to United but could find his position change if he ends up heading to Old Trafford
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If Semenyo makes the move to United and is used as the left wing-back with Amad on the right, it wouldn't impact Bryan Mbeumo, who would continue in his usual right forward role for Amorim.
The same can be said for Mason Mount, who is favoured by Amorim and has started three of the last four matches on the left-hand side of the front three. Matheus Cunha, meanwhile, was used down the middle.
Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot would be impacted, however, as they have both shared the left wing-back spot this season. With Amorim splitting between the two, it doesn't appear that he's settled on a favourite.
Speaking about Semenyo in his pre-Bournemouth press conference, Amorim said: "They have a special player. They have many good players, but they have a special player in Semenyo. [He] can play both sides with both feet."
Apart from Semenyo, United want to sign TWO midfielders, with Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson top targets over the January and summer transfer window.