Manchester United have had a good Premier League campaign thus far. They are presently two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Despite this, manager Ruben Amorim may want to further strengthen his squad this winter to boost the club’s Champions League pursuit.
Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a top target this week, and United are prepared to go ‘all-out‘ to secure his signature.
The Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst now reveals that United are pursuing a deal for Semenyo amid doubts over Patrick Dorgu’s ability as a left wing-back.
Sources at the club believe the Dane has been overexposed since his move from Lecce last winter, and he should have been recruited as a squad player.
Dorgu has started just two of the previous 10 league games.
The Red Devils apparently view Semenyo as a solution at left wing-back. He can be prised away from the Cherries due to a £65 million release clause.
Semenyo would be a good fit at left wing-back
The Ghana international has been in superb form for Bournemouth this term, registering seven goals and three assists from 15 Premier League appearances.
The 25-year-old recently went on a barren run without goal contributions, but ended the streak by scoring in the thrilling 4-4 draw against the Red Devils.
Semenyo, described as ‘special‘ by Amorim before the game, showcased his quality at Old Trafford.
Aside from his goal, he won eight duels alongside four recoveries. Overall, the versatile winger has won 6.6 duels per league game this season with 4.9 recoveries and 1.6 tackles.
Semenyo can comfortably operate on either wing, and he has also shown the willingness to track back to help out his defence when the Cherries are out of possession.
Hence, it is unsurprising that United view him as a left wing-back solution. He could operate as a wide number 10 too, if Amorim opts to rotate his attacking options.
The forward, described as ‘world-class‘ by Justin Kluivert, has all the traits to become a mainstay in the left wing-back role for United ahead of Dorgu and Diogo Dalot.
Dalot has found form in recent weeks with goal contributions, but the Portuguese has been caught out of position previously, given that he is primarily a right full-back/wing-back.
United will have to be quick in the pursuit of Semenyo. His buy-out clause is valid only for the first 10 days of January, giving the Cherries time to pursue a replacement.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com