Manchester United will have to navigate the busy Christmas and New Year period without two of their brightest attacking stars, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo.
United have heavily relied on their right flank when mounting attacks, while the opposite flank has hardly seen attacks created of note.
A cursory glance at the heatmaps of the players will show how underutilised the opposite flank has been. Patrick Dorgu was supposed to be the focal point down the left, but the Dane has continued to blow hot and cold.
That has meant Ruben Amorim has increasingly relied on Diogo Dalot, who prefers to cut in on his stronger right foot rather than taking his man on.
Antoine Semenyo seen as the perfect fit
There is an obvious gap that needs to be filled, and Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth was seen as the perfect fit.
The Ghanaian is not travelling to AFCON, which means he will be available during the congested fixture period. And he can play all across the park.
From attacking midfielder, to out wide on either flank, to even doing a job up top, the 25-year-old can fulfill multiple roles.
The Bournemouth talisman is available for £65 million in January, and given the Ghana international is the third-top scorer this season, lots of clubs are chasing his signature.
Having splurged over £200 million in the summer, INEOS might not be able to afford such an outlay on Antoine Semenyo, especially given the club’s need to bring in a defensive midfielder.
The 20-time English league champions have figured out a way forward. Joshua Zirkzee, who has been linked with a mid-season exit to AS Roma, could be sacrificed to land the Cherries superstar.
The Dutchman has not exactly been among the goals, and moving him on might not be the worst decision, especially if the club can land Antoine Semenyo as his replacement.
Antoine Semenyo Stats: 2025/26 Season
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
Premier League 15 7 3 3 - 1,170'
EFL Cup 1 - - - - 45'
Total 16 7 3 3 - 1,215'
Antoine Semenyo 25/26 stats via Transfermarkt
Zirkzee out, Semenyo in
This information comes courtesy Fabrizio Romano (via Tribuna), who has claimed even a loan with an obligation could be agreed in order to free up space for the ex-Bristol City ace.
“Manchester United may make room for a move for Antoine Semenyo by letting Joshua Zirkzee leave – via a permanent transfer or a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
“Talks were held with AS Roma in London last week.”
Such a versatile attacker could be just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully, INEOS can pull off this deal while also addressing the midfield issue in January.
With Pep Guardiola’s future uncertain at the Etihad, and Liverpool still dealing with the Mohamed Salah mess, United are clearly the frontrunners.
Feature image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
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