Rio Ferdinand fires transfer demand to United over 25-yo star amid chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to instantly begin work on a deal to sign Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo, following his superb performance at Old Trafford on Monday evening. Semenyo impresses Semenyo caught the eye as United and Bournemouth played out a pulsating 4-4 draw. United raced into the lead courtesy of Amad, who headed home Diogo Dalot’s cross at the line. However, Semenyo drew the Cherries level with a wonderful goal. He capitalised on an error between Luke Shaw and Mason Mount to power his way into the United box before dispatching a shot into the bottom corner, well past the reach of Senne Lammens. Casemiro restored United’s lead at the stroke of half-time but two quick-fire goals from Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier put Bournemouth into the driving seat for the first time in the game. United got back into it when Bruno Fernandes slammed a stunning free-kick into the back of the net. Matheus Cunha then made it 4-3 to the hosts in the 79th minute but Eli Junior Kroupi had the final say five minutes later, scoring from the bench to ensure the spoils were shared between the two teams. In the build-up to the contest, Ruben Amorim was hugely complimentary of Semenyo and his attributes. The Ghanaian certainly demonstrated why Amorim is a huge admirer of his. In addition to his goal, Semenyo created one big chance, delivered two key passes and successfully connected with the one long ball he pinged. He also made three clearances and won six of the 12 ground duels he delved into. Goals1 Total shots1 Shots on target1 Big chances created1 Key passes2 Accurate passes13/22 (59%) Long balls (accurate)1/1 (100%) Clearances3 Recoveries4 Ground duels (won)7 (2) Aerial duels (won)12 (6) (Stats obtained from Sofascore) Semenyo’s future remains the subject of intense speculation heading into January. He has a £65m release clause that can be triggered during the first two weeks of the winter transfer window. Semenyo’s finish against United was his seventh Premier League goal this term. In addition to United, he has also been linked to Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Ferdinand took to X and made it clear that he would like to see Semenyo end up at United. Ferdinand makes Semenyo transfer demand The former England international wrote in response to Semenyo’s goal, “Don’t let him leave after the game.” He accompanied his message with a crying laughing emoji. Don’t let him leave after the game 😂 — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 15, 2025 On the result, Ferdinand remarked, “Going for a lay down after that…Mixed emotions.” “Defender hat on – I would have been screaming!” “However we’ve been asking for more attacking football this season, team to show fight, flexibility in formation from the manager. We got it all tonight, just not the 3 points.” “Gary Neville summed it up after 75 minutes: ‘Man Utd are losing 3-2, but it’s a performance I can live with.’” Going for a lay down after that…Mixed emotions.Defender hat on – I would have been screaming!However we’ve been asking for more attacking football this season, team to show fight, flexibility in formation from the manager. We got it all tonight, just not the 3 points.… — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 15, 2025 United are next in action on Sunday when they go away to Aston Villa. Featured image Gareth Copley 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 Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!