INEOS strike gold in pursuit of electric 25-yo wizard, Amorim believes he’s the “missing spark” for United – report

Manchester United have received an unlikely boost in their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo as England’s elite prepare to go to war over the AFC Bournemouth talisman in the winter window, according to a report. Available in January Semenyo has enjoyed a red-hot start to the season on the south coast – with only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland producing more goal contributions than the Ghana international. Six goals and three assists across eleven matches for a team in 8th in the Premier League table is an impressive return, particularly when the 25-year-old winger’s outstanding work rate and defensive contributions in the other direction are factored in. Antoine Semenyo Premier League Stats: 2025/26 Season MetricValue Goals6 XG4.58 XA0.47 Shots on Target Inside the Box8 Touches in the Opposition Box45 Penalties (Scored)2 (1) Hit Woodwork1 Free Kicks (Scored)1 (1) Crosses (Completed %)14 (7%) Passes (Completed %)283 (77%) Long Passes (Completed %)25 (60%) Minutes Played989 Dribbles (Completed %)46 (46%) Duels Won72 Aerial Duels Won26 Total Tackles18 Interceptions2 Blocks2 Red Cards0 Yellow Cards2 Fouls24 Offsides7 Semenyo, who is equally capable of playing on either side of the pitch, has demonstrated a tangible improvement in efficiency in front of goal this year. The Athletic reveals he has become “more selective” with his finishing, with his xG (expected goals) per shot almost doubling from 0.08 last season to 0.14 this year. This leads the outlet to describe the former Bristol City star as an “incredibly effective player in the final third” – and evidences why United, along with their bitter domestic rivals, are on hot on his trail this winter. Semenyo signed a new deal in the summer, after bids were tabled by the Red Devils and Tottenham Hotspur, which included a pay rise and a release clause, worth £65 million. But the clause is only active in the first ten days of January window, as it gives Bournemouth time to source a suitable replacement should their prized asset be snatched from their grasp midseason. It then becomes active again, at a slightly lower price, for a select portion of the summer. While £65m is a considerable outlay, it is the going rate for Premier League proven forwards with a track record of goals – as United can acknowledge after their successful pursuits of Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£71m). And the fact that one of the division’s best wingers is available at that price point in January – a window where fees are normally inflated – explains why England’s elite are all on red-alert over a potential move. Reports suggest United and Spurs are joined by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City in the growing queue for Semenyo, though the Ghanian is believed to be happy remaining at the Vitality Stadium until the end of the season. United’s Advantage in the Race TEAMtalk reveals United hold a trump card over their rivals, however, with Bournemouth technical director, Simon Frances, a life-long Red Devils’ fan. The executive is “set to pitch Old Trafford’s vision to Semenyo” – a boost which has “bolstered” United’s pursuit and placed them “ahead of their rivals”. The report contends an offer is in the “advanced planning stages” with United’s head coach a massive fan of the 25-year-old winger: “Ruben Amorim views the versatile winger as the missing spark in a squad craving dynamism”. Last night’s dismal 0-1 defeat to 10-man Everton laid bare the ineffectiveness of Amorim’s left-hand side, with Patrick Dorgu incapable of providing any quality from wing-back, while his replacement Diogo Dalot offered litle improvement. If, and it’s a big if considering United’s constrained budget, INEOS were able to secure Semenyo as a late Christmas present for their head coach, it would constitute a transformational upgrade on the left. And it seems they would have a boyhood United fan deep undercover at the Vitality Stadium to thank if they do. Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.