Manchester United are being linked with Antoine Semenyo and there are promising signs that he could follow Bryan Mbeumo’s success at Manchester United.
Out of Manchester United’s five new arrivals, it is widely considered that Bryan Mbeumo is the best signing of the summer.
Mbeumo has been a huge upgrade on United’s previous attacking options, scoring six goals across all competitions.
Now, United are being linked with Antoine Semenyo to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s options at wing-back and as a No.10. The versatile 25-year-old has a £65m release clause valid in January.
Mbeumo also cost United £65m in the summer, and the comparisons between him and Semenyo don’t stop there.
Antoine Semenyo’s three biggest strengths
Semenyo is a long-term target for United. Not only did the Red Devils show interest over the summer, but they have been scouting Semenyo since 2018.
At Bournemouth, Semenyo has been rotating between playing on the left and right of a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, Semenyo’s incredible work rate and athleticism would make him an ideal fit as a wing-back.
Should Man Utd pay Antoine Semenyo’s £65m release clause in January?
According to WhoScored, Semenyo’s statistics outline three key strengths – aerial duels, direct free-kicks and dribbling.
As per FBref, Semenyo is stylistically very similar to Mbeumo as well as Premier League stars Anthony Gordon and Kaoru Mitoma.
Interestingly, Semenyo and Mbeumo both rank extremely highly among wingers for aerial duels won, clearances and non-penalty goals.
Why Antoine Semenyo is perfect for wing-back
At Sporting Lisbon, Amorim often used wingers and converted them to wing-backs in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Geovany Quenda thrived in a wing-back role under Amorim despite being a traditional winger by trade. It explains why he was wanted by United after Amorim’s appointment.
Amorim has explained why Amad Diallo is a ‘perfect’ wing-back in his system, and much of his explanation also relates to Semenyo.
Who is your dream Manchester United signing in 2026?
READ MORE: Three different positions Antoine Semenyo could play in for Manchester United
“You need to have good physicality. Good physicality is not the size, but he can run,” Amorim said.
“And that is a key point in that position. So you try to choose players that you can put in that position and then the technical characteristics are perfect for him.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
