The key promise United can make to Semenyo that City can’t, helping them win £65m race – opinion

After a failed switch in the summer of 2026, Manchester United now have the chance to trigger AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo’s £65 million release clause, which remains active until 10 January. United versus City in race for Semenyo Reports suggest United and their noisy neighbours Manchester City are the two Premier League sides pushing hardest to secure his signature. For United fans, though, the hope is that INEOS can finally pull off this deal. Should he join Ruben Amorim’s project, Semenyo is widely expected to slot in as a left wing-back. Yet while he could prove an ideal solution there, the player himself has hinted at another role he dreams of taking on, one that may fit perfectly into Manchester United’s tactical plans. Semenyo’s big wish His biggest ambition is to play as a No.9. Back in January, while acknowledging his adaptability across the front line, he made his intentions clear: “In my head, the end goal is to be a No.9. Maybe in the years to come, when I’ve built the experience, I’ll eventually transition into that, but I’m not too hung up on that.” United can offer Semenyo his wish, but City can’t Well, over the weekend, Fabrizio Romano revealed that United want Semenyo so badly they are even willing to adapt their style of play to suit him. 🚨🎥 | “Manchester United would consider a DIFFERENT tactical approach in case they can get Antoine Semenyo.” [@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/fBJsR7DF4l — (fan) Frank 🧠🇵🇹 (@AmorimEra) December 20, 2025 That desire to play as a No.9 could readily be fulfilled at Old Trafford. The same cannot be said at City, where Erling Haaland’s dominance makes him virtually impossible to dislodge, as Omar Marmoush has already discovered. At United, Semenyo would see a realistic chance of “grabbing” the No.9 role. Meanwhile, with growing talk of Joshua Zirkzee leaving in the winter, Semenyo could be the ideal replacement. The Dutchman has failed to cement his place in Amorim’s system, and his departure should help raise crucial funds to finance the Semenyo swoop. In that case, the Bournemouth maverick could seamlessly assume Zirkzee’s role, serving as Benjamin Sesko’s alternative whenever he is not deployed at wing-back. And when leading the line, Semenyo could be a reliable source of goals: Antoine Semenyo’s stats SeasonAppearancesGoalsAssists 2024–2537115 2025–26*1683 While United are scoring freely and only City have netted more, they still lack a dependable supply of goals, something Semenyo can surely provide. Semenyo over a midfielder? Some would argue that the money earmarked for Semenyo should instead be invested in midfield reinforcements. Yet the case for Semenyo remains compelling. His versatility is unmatched, with the ability to operate anywhere across the front line and as a wing-back on either flank. More importantly, he is a player who elevates United’s level. In truth, he looks every inch a £100 million signing, so securing him for £65 million represents an opportunity too good to ignore. United would be acquiring one of the finest talents available, perfectly aligned with INEOS’ long-term project. Furthermore, his arrival would ease another headache, giving Zirkzee the chance to pursue the move he craves. Of which United cannot afford unsettled players lingering on the bench, and Semenyo’s signing would perfectly resolve that issue. Featured image Ryan Pierse 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 Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.