Manchester United joined the race for Antoine Semenyo’s signature but appear to have lost to fierce rivals Manchester City.
The Red Devils were ready to swoop and do business in January for Antoine Semenyo, but it seems Ruben Amorim will have to accept defeat.
Amorim hailed Semenyo as “special” before Bournemouth’s visit to Old Trafford earlier this month, and it follows on from United being interested in signing him last summer.
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Semenyo’s £65m release clause, which is active next month, naturally attracted several Premier League giants. Tottenham were rejected, Chelsea failed with a late attempt to make a move, meaning it came down to a choice between Manchester City or United.
Unfortunately, David Ornstein reports that Semenyo has chosen City. Wages were a deciding factor in the decision, but Amorim can also point the finger at one of his good friends.
Hugo Viana pushed for Antoine Semenyo deal
During his time at Sporting Lisbon, Amorim worked very closely with Hugo Viana as the club’s sporting director.
“Any coach would be lucky to work with him. Not just due to his competence but due to his loyalty. [He] has already proved many times that he knows how to do magic,” Amorim said.
Viana was hired by Manchester City in October 2024, just days before Amorim made his move to Old Trafford.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, it is Viana who led City’s push for Semenyo, with the sporting director pushing for a swift deal.
United pushed hard to try and convince Semenyo, but it seems likely that he will be wearing sky blue for the second half of the season.
Ruben Amorim calls Hugo Viana his best friend in football
This season, Amorim distanced himself from Viana in terms of their sporting relationship, pointing out that they now represent two fierce rivals.
“We don’t talk about football, I am red, he is blue, but we are really close friends, that will not change,” Amorim said.
In an interview with TNT Sports, Amorim also named Viana as his “best friend in football”.
READ MORE: Man Utd have already identified Antoine Semenyo alternative who Amad knows well
“Of course, we will be friends until the end, but I have my way and I chose Manchester United,” Amorim added.
Amorim might have a few remarks for his good friend after he secured Semenyo’s signature ahead of United.
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