United edge closer to blockbuster signing as 25-yo says no to PL rivals despite “significant” offer – David Ornstein

Manchester United put in a respectable performance in their 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, who entered the clash on a nine-game winning streak in all competitions. United dominated possession and had more shots on target away from home. Still, Villa extended their sublime run, owing to two brilliant goals from Morgan Rogers.  Matheus Cunha stepped up with a goal, but that proved not enough in the absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo. Bruno Fernandes was also taken off at the break due to a hamstring injury, forcing Ruben Amorim to hand a senior debut to Shea Lacey at a challenging territory.  The club’s current situation going forward explains their accelerated efforts to sign Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana attacker is comfortable on either wing as well as up top. He combines his pace, physicality and ball-striking to make a difference in the final third.  Manchester United in talks to sign Antoine Semenyo According to Fabrizio Romano, United and Manchester City are “pushing” to sign Semenyo from Bournemouth in January. The Italian journalist claims both Manchester clubs had “direct contacts for Semenyo” over the weekend to understand his situation at Vitality Stadium.  CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsMinutes Played Total (all)178341485′ Premier League168341440′ EFL Cup100045′ Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming the 25-year-old’s contract with the Cherries includes a release clause for the winter window, set at £60m plus £5m in add-ons. However, his suitors must “wrap up a deal” with Bournemouth by 10 January. Semenyo turns down Spurs move Speaking to NBC Sports, highly-reputable journalist David Ornstein suggested that United and City are “emerging as leading contenders” for Semenyo’s signature.  Ornstein added that Tottenham Hotspur were “very keen” to sign the Bournemouth talisman and were prepared to pay him a “significant salary”. However, the Ghanaian star “politely” rebuffed their approach, as he is focusing on joining United or City. Liverpool are said to have great admiration for him, but they are yet to make a serious move. However, it will be worth keeping an eye on Alexander Isak’s injury. A lengthy layoff could force the Reds into a panic. 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!