Man Utd Targeting £60m Forward Loved by Amorim as Alternative to Mbeumo – Sky Sports Reports

The summer transfer window is heating up, and Manchester United finds itself at a pivotal juncture, navigating a complex web of targets and financial considerations under the new leadership of Ruben Amorim. While Brentford’s dynamic forward Bryan Mbeumo has been widely identified as a primary target for the Red Devils, recent reports from Sky Sports indicate a strategic pivot, with United now actively pursuing an intriguing alternative: AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, a player highly admired by the new Old Trafford boss. This shift underscores a deliberate strategy to reinforce the squad with versatile, high-impact attackers.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Mbeumo has been well-documented, with the club having already submitted an initial bid, reported to be in the region of £55 million, consisting of £45 million guaranteed plus £10 million in add-ons. However, this offer was swiftly rejected by Brentford, who are understood to value their Cameroonian international in excess of £60 million. Despite the setback, there remains a strong sentiment within United that Mbeumo is keen on a move to Old Trafford, even amidst late interest from Tottenham Hotspur, a club now strongly linked with Brentford’s current manager, Thomas Frank.

Mbeumo’s impressive 2024-25 season, which saw him net 20 Premier League goals and provide eight assists, certainly makes him an attractive proposition. His directness, pace, and clinical finishing align with the attacking prowess Manchester United aims to inject into their squad. Furthermore, his ability to operate across the front line – predominantly on the right wing but also effectively through the middle – offers the tactical flexibility that Ruben Amorim typically seeks in his offensive players.

However, the complexities of the transfer market, coupled with Brentford’s firm valuation and Mbeumo’s reported wage demands of £250,000 per week, have seemingly prompted Manchester United to explore other viable options. This is where Antoine Semenyo enters the frame, emerging as a significant alternative that resonates deeply with Ruben Amorim’s tactical philosophy and player preferences.

Semenyo, at 25 years old, mirrors Mbeumo’s age profile and has just completed a highly impressive campaign with AFC Bournemouth. His contributions were vital to the Cherries, as he notched up 11 goals and five assists in the Premier League. Across all competitions, the Ghana international contributed a remarkable 20 goal contributions, showcasing his burgeoning talent and consistent output in England’s top flight.

What makes Semenyo particularly appealing to Ruben Amorim, and consequently to Manchester United, extends beyond mere statistics. Amorim is known for favouring a fluid front three in his preferred 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 system, where wide forwards are encouraged to drift inside and operate in the half-spaces, providing a consistent goal threat and creating overloads. Semenyo’s versatility, having featured on both flanks and even through the middle for Bournemouth, aligns perfectly with this tactical blueprint.

Indeed, reports highlight that Amorim is a “huge admirer” of Semenyo, suggesting that the manager sees specific qualities in the Ghanaian forward that would thrive within his system at Old Trafford. This admiration likely stems from Semenyo’s well-rounded attacking profile, combining goal-scoring ability with a strong work rate and defensive contributions. He has placed in the 98th percentile for blocks per 90, 85th for clearances, and 95th for aerials won among wingers, indicating a player who is committed on both sides of the ball – a trait highly valued by modern coaches like Amorim.

The pursuit of Semenyo also reflects United’s need for a robust and adaptable forward line, especially with the club having already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million. Cunha is expected to occupy one of the two number 10 positions in Amorim’s setup, and a player like Semenyo could complement him effectively, offering different dimensions to the attack whether operating from the right, left, or through the centre as a false nine.

Furthermore, the potential acquisition of Semenyo could offer Manchester United a more straightforward path to a deal compared to the ongoing negotiations for Mbeumo. While Bournemouth is reportedly holding out for a fee of £60 million for Semenyo, matching Brentford’s valuation of Mbeumo, the overall package, including potential wage demands and agent fees, might prove to be more manageable for United.

The timing of this emerging interest in Semenyo is also crucial. With United’s initial bid for Mbeumo being rebuffed and a potential ‘drastic U-turn’ in Mbeumo’s stance regarding Champions League football (though he is still prioritizing United), the club needs to act decisively to secure its attacking reinforcements before the window progresses further. Semenyo represents a high-calibre alternative who can hit the ground running in the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim’s vision for Manchester United hinges on building a team with a clear identity, marked by a high press, proactive possession, and intricate attacking patterns. In this context, players who can interchange positions, press relentlessly, and contribute defensively from the front are paramount. Semenyo’s attributes, particularly his defensive work rate and versatility, align seamlessly with these requirements, making him an ideal fit for Amorim’s tactical framework.

Moreover, the transfer market often dictates that clubs must have multiple targets for each position, especially for high-value players where negotiations can be protracted. United’s interest in Semenyo demonstrates a mature and pragmatic approach to recruitment, ensuring they are not solely reliant on one deal and can pivot efficiently if primary targets prove too difficult or expensive to acquire.

The narrative surrounding Manchester United’s transfer strategy this summer is one of calculated ambition. While the club aims to bring in top-tier talent, they are also mindful of financial prudence and the need to build a cohesive squad that truly fits the manager’s philosophy. The pursuit of Semenyo, a player clearly endorsed by Amorim, underscores this commitment to tactical alignment and a holistic approach to squad building.

In conclusion, while Bryan Mbeumo remains a highly coveted asset for Manchester United, the emergence of Antoine Semenyo as a £60 million target loved by Ruben Amorim signals a significant development in the club’s transfer plans. Semenyo’s impressive Premier League performances, combined with his versatility and defensive attributes that perfectly complement Amorim’s tactical demands, position him as a compelling alternative who could provide the attacking dynamism and work rate Manchester United desperately needs as they embark on a new era under their highly-regarded Portuguese manager. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal which of these talented forwards, or perhaps both, will ultimately don the famous red shirt at Old Trafford.