Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson singled out Antoine Semenyo as a key part of his prediction for the Manchester United vs Manchester City match on Saturday.
Manchester United were linked with Antoine Semenyo in recent months, but the 26-year-old Ghana winger ultimately moved to Manchester City in the January window.
Man City confirmed their signing of Semenyo last week after Man Utd’s crosstown rivals dropped a hefty fee to sign him from Premier League side Bournemouth.
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The Premier League club agreed a deal worth about £65m in the end, with City paying a £62.5m transfer fee over 24 months alongside the additional bonuses.
Semenyo had sparked fierce interest from the likes of United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea after details emerged on his limited release clause window in January.
Paul Merson’s clear-cut feelings on the Man Utd and Man City Premier League match at Old Trafford
Manchester United will welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon for the latest – and final – Manchester derby clash of the season.
Speaking in his Sportskeeda column, Paul Merson admitted that there is no doubt in his mind that Man City are the clear favourites for the forthcoming encounter.
“Usually in derby games, form goes out of the window,” he said.
“It’s not the same here because quite honestly, I can’t see anything but a Manchester City win! I’d be amazed if Manchester United won.”
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Merson added: “In the last two or three derbies, the contest was more even in the sense that we knew Manchester United had a chance.
“I can’t say it’s the same now. Don’t get me wrong, I still think City concede too many chances. But their attack is just miles ahead and will have too much for United.”
Paul Merson’s major Antoine Semenyo point amid his Man Utd and Man City scoreline prediction
Former Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo has impressed with his early run of form after leaving the Vitality and making the switch to the Etihad this month.
The ex-Bournemouth ace has netted twice and registered an assist in his first two matches under City head coach Pep Guardiola since his stunning £65m transfer.
Merson has insisted that Semenyo’s immediate impact at Man City means that he cannot see the Ghana international not featuring in the starting XI against United.
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“Antoine Semenyo has hit the ground running at Manchester City,” Merson explained.
“I don’t see him not being in the starting line-up for this game. He has been [brought] in for a reason and it is to play games like these. I would pick Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Semenyo as the front-three.
“When Cherki doesn’t play, City have something missing. They sort of struggle when he’s not on the pitch.
“This front three has goals, pace, power and guile in them. That should be enough to get all three points at Old Trafford.”
Sky Sports pundit Merson has backed Pep Guardiola’s men to beat Michael Carrick’s Man Utd side in a 3-1 Premier League win at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
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