Why Manchester United Might Miss Out on Antoine Semenyo

Manchester United are keen on signing Antoine Semenyo next month, but a Sky Sports reporter suggests one factor could prevent the deal – and it centers around manager Ruben Amorim.

Semenyo, 25, has a release clause of £65m (£60m plus £5m in add-ons) that’s active between January 1-10. Several top clubs, including Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham, have shown interest.

Tottenham have been ruled out, as Semenyo has informed the club he isn’t interested in joining. This leaves Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs in the running. While Liverpool is reportedly Semenyo’s preferred destination, they haven’t pursued him as aggressively as Manchester United and City.

The Guardian recently reported that Semenyo would choose City, but didn’t explain why.

now, sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has offered a possible explanation for Semenyo’s preference for City.

Sheth suggests Semenyo would likely struggle to displace Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. He wouldn’t play as the central striker.

This means United would likely convert Semenyo into a wingback.

Considering Semenyo’s goalscoring record – he’s scored more premier League goals this season than all but erling Haaland and Igor Thiago – it’s questionable whether he’d accept a wingback role with significantly more defensive duties.

With a reasonable release clause and Bournemouth unlikely to be a factor, Semenyo’s next club will likely be determined by which team can best convince him to join.

“The interesting thing with Semenyo is if United were to sign him, where Ruben amorim would play him,” Sheth explained. “He’s a goalscorer. He wouldn’t want to play as a wingback.”