Why Man United Failed to Land Antoine Semenyo Despite Amorim’s Dinner Meeting
- Ruben Amorim met Antoine Semenyo at the end of the season for a meal, where they discussed United’s project
- Semenyo pulled out after discovering United’s salary offer was far lower than what was given to other new signings
- Bournemouth rejected United’s £55m bid, while Tottenham also entered the race, adding more competition for the Ghana forward’s signature
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim took Antoine Semenyo out for dinner as they scrambled for the services of the Bournemouth attacker during the summer.
Talks between United and Bournemouth began as early as March, with Amorim identifying the Ghana international as a key addition to his attacking rebuild.
Source: Getty Images
The Red Devils wanted to add the Black Stars forward to their attacking swoop of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko over the summer.
It was a move that underlined Amorim’s desire to add a player of pace, versatility and proven Premier League ability to his squad, even after significant investment elsewhere.
According to Tribal Football, at the end of the season, Amorim met Semenyo for dinner to discuss a potential move, with personal terms quickly settled.
The 24-year-old was reportedly eager to make the switch, seeing United as a step forward in his career.
However, the move collapsed when financial details came into play, causing Semenyo to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium.
Semenyo was left frustrated after learning that United’s offer to him was only around 70 per cent of what the club proposed to Cunha and Mbeumo.
The Sunday Times’ Duncan Castles, speaking on The Transfers Podcast, revealed that the disparity in wages led the winger to reconsider his options.
Negotiations ultimately broke down when United capped their bid at £55 million, a figure Bournemouth flatly rejected.
Tottenham Hotspur were also monitoring the situation, with Semenyo’s stock continuing to rise after a strong Premier League campaign.
Man United to renew pursuit of Semenyo in January
With nearly four months still to go before the New Year and the reopening of the transfer window, Manchester United are already being linked with potential reinforcements, and one familiar name is back in the frame.
Per Manchester Evening News, the player's value has been capped at around £55 million.
While no deal materialised, speculation is now growing that the Red Devils could revisit the move when January arrives.
United boss Ruben Amorim has already strengthened his attack with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, giving him a wealth of options in the final third.
Source: Getty Images
Yet the prospect of adding Semenyo, who operates primarily from the right wing but is equally comfortable on the left, is seen as a way to create even greater tactical flexibility and firepower.
If United were to land the Ghanaian international in January, Amorim could field a truly dynamic forward line.
Sesko would be expected to lead the attack as centre-forward, while Semenyo could slot into one of the wide attacking roles alongside Mbeumo, with Cunha available to drop deeper into midfield should injuries impact Bruno Fernandes or others.
Whether United make a fresh approach remains to be seen, but Semenyo’s name is already being tipped as one of the winter window’s biggest talking points.
Fans hail Semenyo's display vs Man United
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Semenyo once again proved to be a thorn in Manchester United’s side, scoring a crucial goal for Bournemouth in their 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Fans took to social media to hail the performance of the Black Stars forward, though the Cherries failed to win at home.
Source: YEN.com.gh
