Man United set sights on Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo - a decisive double move taking shape

Manchester United are moving with intent for a double addition: Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. United view Guehi as a plug-and-play leader at center back and see Semenyo’s direct running, pressing and versatility as an immediate boost to the forward unit. There is long-standing admiration for Guehi from elsewhere in the league, but United believe their project and minutes on offer are compelling. Bournemouth’s stance is firm, yet a structured package is being explored. The plan is clear - add reliability at the back and power in transition up front, fast.

Discussions around Premier League recruitment have intensified this week, with multiple British outlets and industry intermediaries indicating Manchester United’s concrete interest in Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo. Palace value Guehi as a cornerstone, while Bournemouth acknowledge rising interest in Semenyo after his breakout form. United’s recruitment brief prioritizes a right-sided center back comfortable in a high line and a wide forward who presses, carries and finishes. Rival admiration for Guehi remains active, but United are positioning early with structured proposals that include add-ons and performance clauses.

🚨🗣️ @sistoney67 on the Semenyo & Guehi links: "The Guehi one feels like a good idea, but he was so close to signing for Liverpool in the summer that if he stays in the Premier League, Anfield is where I expect him to go. As for Semenyo, having spent £200M on Benjamin Sesko,

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

If United land both Guehi and Semenyo, the impact is immediate across two weak points - stability in first-phase build-up and consistent direct threat in transition. Guehi reads danger early, stays on his feet, and is calm threading passes between the lines. He is not the loudest defender, but he organizes well and rarely dives in. In a side that wants to squeeze up and keep the ball, that temperament matters. He can play right center back, partner a more aggressive left-sided defender, and reduce the volume of chaotic box defending that has cost United in recent months.

Semenyo brings a different energy - powerful carries, repeated sprints, and a willingness to attack the near post. At Bournemouth he learned to press with purpose, not just run. He can play both flanks or tucked inside as a second striker. That flexibility covers minutes when injuries bite or when AFCON rotations hit. He does not need heavy touches to affect the game, which suits United’s quick-strike phases. Add his improved decision-making in the final third and you get a profile that complements, not overlaps, the current options.

Financially, Guehi sits in the premium domestic bracket, while Semenyo’s value is rising but still within reach. Together, this is a window-defining swing that would close the gap between ambition and execution.

Reaction

The fan debate has been lively. A chunk of United supporters argue the squad still lacks a true number 10 for long stretches, noting that Mainoo isn’t a 10, Bruno drifts, and Amad looks better as a wingback in certain setups. Others point out that Mbeumo and Amad could be away during AFCON, reinforcing the logic of adding a wide forward who presses - which is exactly where Semenyo fits. There’s also skepticism about Guehi given rival interest, with some convinced Liverpool could outmuscle United if it comes down to a straight shootout.

Another camp counters that United’s minutes on offer are a trump card: Guehi walks into a leading role instead of rotating, and Semenyo would be trusted to start big games rather than cameo. A few comments stray into frustration about existing options, from doubts over Mount’s form to questions about whether Cunha or others are really 10s. One or two voices push for an alternative like Ndiaye for central creativity. Amid all this, there’s quiet optimism that this double move targets the right problems - fewer transition goals conceded and more direct threat without sacrificing work rate.

Social reactions

Mount is shit amroim clearly doesn’t rate mainoo at all we have 3 players who can play their amad Cunha and mbuemo they can’t do it all season

mcfraud (@mcfraud1)

English journalist no nothing

Yasman (@Yasman3363CLONE)

Sesko is a Striker, Cunha, Mbeumo and Mount are the Number 10. Amad plays in the wing back area, Bruno and kobbie play in the pivot. Mbeumo and Amad will leave for Afcon

EFE (@Efeturi633)

Prediction

Three scenarios look realistic. First - United move quickly and land Semenyo early, with Bournemouth accepting a structured deal that includes achievable add-ons and a sell-on. This would give United a January injection of pace and pressing, easing AFCON and rotation concerns. Second - the Guehi race heats up. Palace value him highly, and any rival bid from within the league pushes the fee into the top bracket for Premier League center backs. If United meet that price with a smart structure - guaranteed fee plus performance triggers - they have a strong chance, especially with a clear path to starting minutes.

Third - contingencies. If Guehi turns elsewhere, United pivot to a younger, progressive passer at center back on the continent where the fee is more flexible. If Semenyo proves too costly in January, a summer return is likely, with stopgap wide depth coming on loan. Timeline-wise, Semenyo feels more movable in the winter due to Bournemouth’s recruitment model and market precedent. Guehi could be resolved either late in the window or deferred to summer depending on rival moves. Net-net, I expect United to secure at least one of the two this window, with momentum building toward the double by summer.

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Conclusion

From a dressing-room perspective, these are smart adds. As someone who’s shared a back line with calm ball players, I can tell you how much a steady presence like Guehi changes the temperature of a game. Fewer last-ditch slides, more controlled exits, and a defense that holds its shape. Up front, Semenyo gives you that first step that scares full backs and the engine to press again and again. He doesn’t need the game built around him to make an impact - he fits next to stars and does the hard yards.

United have chased big names before and missed the glue pieces. This double move targets glue. It lifts the floor and raises the ceiling. Yes, there will be competition for Guehi and a firm stance from Bournemouth on Semenyo. But the football logic is watertight, the profiles align with what United actually do on the pitch, and the minutes available make the pitch to players compelling. Execute the structure, move early, and United walk out of this window stronger in both boxes. That’s how you change a season.