Red-hot United target will take “the next step” in 2026, says national coach

Manchester United have endured a stop-start campaign so far and are currently eighth in the Premier League table after 14 games. The Red Devils invested a fortune in their attack over the summer, and are already reaping the rewards. Ruben Amorim’s side have registered the most shots in the league after 14 games this season, 15 more than league leaders Arsenal. Most Shots in the Premier League: 2025/26 Season RankTeamTotal Shots 1Manchester United161 2Arsenal146 3Liverpool145 4Manchester City142 5Brighton and Hove Albion138 6Chelsea137 7Bournemouth132 8Leeds United127 9Newcastle United119 9Crystal Palace119 Source: Premier League website. United have also hit the woodwork nine times so far, the most in the Premier League this season. The Red Devils have scored 22 goals in 14 games, the sixth-most in the league. For context, Arsenal have scored 27 goals and Manchester City have found the back of the net 32 times. As such, it is evident that Amorim’s side need to secure more firepower if they wish to compete with the top teams in the league and Europe. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that they have identified Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as an option to strengthen their frontline. One of the best players in the league Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023 as a rising star. The arrival of Andoni Iraola at the Vitality Stadium in the summer of that year helped the Ghanaian hit a higher gear. Since then, Semenyo has been indispensable to the Cherries’ cause, and has come into his own this season. He has registered six goals and three assists in 14 appearances across competitions so far. Antoine Semenyo Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League13633-1,170′ EFL Cup1—-45′ Total14633-1,215′ Source: Transfermarkt. The 25 year old’s performances have already earned him admirers across the country, with United joined by Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the race. The player reportedly has a £65 million release clause in his contract that is valid for a specific period in January. Ghana head coach Otto Addo has now spoken about Semenyo’s future. Ready for the next step Speaking to The Athletic, Addo said: “He has done very well at Bournemouth, but with all the respect for Bournemouth and what they’re doing, surely it is natural for him to take the next step.” Ghana have been drawn in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face England, Croatia and Panama. Addo added that a move in the winter transfer window will not affect Semenyo’s involvement on the grand stage next year. “Whether it’s in the winter or summer, it is a difference question but it won’t make a difference for us. I’m looking forward to him showing more of what he can to the world.” With the left wing struggling this season, United could be tempted to go in all guns blazing for Semenyo at the turn of the year. Final Thoughts Semenyo is versatile enough to operate in the left-forward role as well as in the wing-back position, so he could be a fine fit in Amorim’s system. Meanwhile, the Ghanaian is also comfortable as the No. 9, which, given United’s recent struggles in the position, also makes him a lucrative target. Recent reports state that the player’s asking price could fall to £50 million in the summer, which could tempt INEOS to reconsider their approach. However, United must consider that his potential arrival in January could provide a huge boost to their pursuit of a fourth-placed finish this season. Antoine Semenyo has scored 17 Premier League goals since the start of last season: ◉ 8x left-foot◉ 9x right-foot 78% of his right-footed goals have come at home, while 62.5% of his left-footed goals have come away. Ambipedal. 👣 pic.twitter.com/1njIpPrmHD — Squawka (@Squawka) November 28, 2025 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.