Man United have been scouting Antoine Semenyo since 2018 with £65m deal now a possibility

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Manchester United are being linked with a move for Antoine Semenyo in 2026 but it seems he has been on the club’s radar for years now.

Antoine Semenyo is enjoying an incredible start to the 2025/26 Premier League season at Bournemouth, with six goals and three assists in 11 matches.

Naturally, Semenyo is being linked with a move away in 2026 and Manchester United are among the interested clubs.

Journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Semenyo has a £65m release clause active in January, meaning Ineos might be under pressure to get a deal done quickly.

Thankfully, United should already have a full scouting profile on the 25-year-old because of the club’s long-term interest.

Man United spotted watching Antoine Semenyo in 2018

Semenyo has only become a Premier League star in recent years, following his move to Bournemouth in 2023.

Before that, he was making a name for himself at Bristol City, where he rose through the academy ranks. In 2018, Semenyo was sent on loan to Newport County, and it was there that United first started showing interest.

As reported by The Sun, United were plotting a shock move for Semenyo back in 2018 after watching him in League Two.

Bristol City’s loan manager Brian Tinnion confirmed that United had sent scouts to watch Semenyo in action.

“I was sat with a Man United scout at Newport the other week and they really like him. People will like him because he’s 18 years of age,” Tinnion said.

How Antoine Semenyo fits into Ruben Amorim’s system

Ruben Amorim has stubbornly stuck to his tactics at United even when under immense pressure. The Portuguese head coach will not shift from his 3-4-2-1 formation.

This season, left wing-back has become an issue for Amorim, with Diogo Dalot underperforming and Patrick Dorgu still a very raw talent.

Amad Diallo is perfect as a wing-back on the right for Amorim’s system. The United boss prefers wingers who can stretch play and offer attacking threat.

READ MORE: Man Utd stance on signing a midfielder in January, Antoine Semenyo transfer plans and new wing-back

If United win the race for Semenyo’s signature, expect him to be tested as a wing-back in Amorim’s system.

While he could offer more competition for the No.10 positions, Semenyo’s incredible work rate means he would be an ideal fit on the left.