He's a "special player". Those were the words of Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim regarding Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, ahead of Monday's Premier League thriller at Old Trafford.
Perhaps inevitably, considering the persistent speculation regarding United's apparent interest in the Ghanaian forward, he duly went on to dazzle again in that 4-4 bonanza, rifling home a first-half equaliser in what has almost become trademark fashion.
In just four meetings with the Red Devils, the 25-year-old has now struck three times, while only three players have bettered his return of seven league goals in the top-flight this season.
With a £65m release clause waiting to be activated at the start of next month, clubs are queuing up to secure his signature once the window opens.
Premier League top scorers after game week 16
Might such a deal mark the start of an exciting 2026 on the transfer front for the INEOS regime?
Man Utd discussing next move alongside Semenyo interest
Despite ultimately plumping for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo over the summer, with the pair signed for £62.5m and £71m, respectively, there is a world in which Amorim could have added Semenyo to his attacking ranks.
Antoine-Semenyo-vs-Man-Utd-forwards
Indeed, the ex-Bristol City star was believed to also be on United's shortlist, with a reported valuation of north of £70m, although INEOS ultimately pivoted to different targets.
That long-term interest looks likely to be renewed in January by all accounts, with Semenyo himself said to be 'open' to making the move, as reported this week.
Such a deal would continue the theme of acquiring Premier League-proven additions, with that trend also likely to be followed with regard to the club's midfield search, as reported by the Daily Mail.
As per the report, among the options being discussed internally is Crystal Palace sensation, Adam Wharton, with the £100m-rated England international among a select group of young talents who could help to overhaul Amorim's midfield unit.
The report claims that there won't be any 'panic moves' in the new year, with INEOS likely to only strike if their 2026 summer targets, i.e Wharton, can be snapped up six months in advance.
Why Wharton could be a perfect signing for Semenyo
It was a familiar sight on Monday night, with Semenyo simply tearing away from the likes of Luke Shaw down Bournemouth's right flank, showcasing a level of speed and aggression that almost appears unstoppable when in full flow.
As a ball carrier, or someone running in behind, the Cherries' talisman is simply a menace, with it a mouthwatering prospect to consider him lining up in any of United's advanced roles, or in an attack-minded wing-back role.
What players like Semenyo need, however, is quality service, hence why a progressive midfielder like Wharton is a necessity.
Wharton-vs-Mainoo-24/25-stats-timeless
Now, the former Blackburn Rovers man might not be the creative machine in the mould of Bruno Fernandes, but he is already a master at that Michael Carrick-esque forward pass, always pouncing on an opportunity to pick out those ahead of him.
United only know that all too well, with it having been the 21-year-old's clever, incisive ball which picked out Jean Philippe-Mateta in that left channel at Selhurst Park, with the Frenchman subsequently drawing a foul from Leny Yoro inside the area.
Wharton vs Man Utd - 30/11/25
Stat
Minutes
Touches
Pass accuracy
Key passes
Big chances created
Tackles
Ground duels won
Possession lost
Recoveries
Stats via Sofascore
While Wharton and his Conference League colleagues tired in that second half, he had undoubtedly run the show in the first 45, leaving Casemiro looking "haunted" after miserable prior meetings between the pair.
He doesn't just save his best for the Red Devils either, having also produced a defensive-splitting pass to claim an assist during Palace's shock Community Shield win over Liverpool back in August.
Hailed as a "passing machine" by journalist Henry Winter in the centre of the park, Wharton notably ranked in the top 7% of Premier League midfielders last season for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, highlighting why he could supply regular service to the likes of Semenyo ahead of him.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
Indeed, this season too, the £100m man has already created seven 'big chances' and averaged 1.4 key passes per game, as per Sofascore, with the aforementioned Fernandes, for comparison, having created as many 'big chances'.
Adam Wharton
Typically operating in a left-sided midfield role, the left-footer could then strike up a partnership with Semenyo, if the latter man is deployed down that flank, thus fixing what has been something of a problem area for Amorim this season.
As already stated, Wharton certainly won't be leaving Selhurst Park on the cheap, yet for talents of that ilk, sometimes you just have to get the chequebook out.
Bruno Fernandes Related
[Man Utd could sign Bruno replacement who's "the most underrated CM in Europe"](https://www.footballfancast.com/perfect-bruno-replacement-man-utd-want-to-sign-angelo-stiller/ "Man Utd could sign Bruno replacement who's "the most underrated CM in Europe"")
Manchester United look set to make a move for one player should Bruno Fernandes depart.