Manchester United pitch project to Antoine Semenyo after positive talks - January move gathering pace

Manchester United have presented a clear sporting vision to Antoine Semenyo’s representatives after what multiple sources describe as positive talks. The Bournemouth and Ghana forward fits the profile United want in January: explosive ball-carrying, elite pressing intensity and end product in transition. The move is viewed internally as realistic if terms can be aligned early in the window. United see Semenyo as immediate competition across the front line and a long-term piece for a more direct, high-tempo attack at Old Trafford. Momentum is building, with confidence that the roadmap shared with the player’s camp has landed well and next steps are being prepared.

Discussions have taken place this week between Manchester United’s recruitment team and Antoine Semenyo’s camp to outline the sporting plan, role definition and pathway at Old Trafford. The engagement follows exploratory contact over the summer and renewed checks through the autumn as Bournemouth’s forward enjoyed a strong Premier League run under Andoni Iraola. No formal bid has been lodged yet, but the tone of dialogue is described as constructive. Bournemouth value Semenyo highly after his standout year and will protect their position, yet United believe early alignment on the project can accelerate a deal once the January window opens.

🚨 JUST IN: Manchester United have outlined their vision to Antoine Semenyo’s representatives ahead of a possible January move to Old Trafford following what has been described as positive talks. [@GraemeBailey]

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

This potential signing would address several structural needs for Manchester United. Semenyo is a direct, powerful runner who attacks the right channel, carries through pressure and presses with conviction. Under Andoni Iraola, he sharpened his final-third decisions and became a credible threat against both high and low blocks. For United, that profile immediately raises the team’s floor in transition and supports Rasmus Hojlund by stretching back lines and creating second-ball moments around the box.

Tactically, Semenyo can play wide right, rotate left, or operate as a support striker in a 4-2-3-1 or flexible 4-3-3. He offers traits that complement Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford while easing minutes on Bruno Fernandes in ball progression. In games where United need to flip field position quickly, his ability to win duels and carry 20-30 meters is invaluable.

From a squad-build lens, he is Premier League-proven, in his prime age curve, and adaptable. Availability during international windows will be a planning point with Ghana, but United have internal depth to manage short absences. If the fee lands in the expected Premier League bracket for a starting-caliber wide forward, the value is justified by fit, upward trajectory, and the immediate tactical bump the coaching staff are seeking.

Reaction

Fan sentiment has been lively and split, but the trend is increasingly optimistic. Many are excited by the idea of adding a direct, hungry forward. One supporter called him “direct, powerful, hungry,” which mirrors the data on his carries and high-intensity repeats. Another said it “sounds like Semenyo could be heading to the Theatre of Dreams,” capturing the mood as talks progress.

Concerns were raised about Africa Cup of Nations commitments, with a tongue-in-cheek warning that AFCON would “kill us every 2 years.” It’s a fair scheduling note, but most replies countered that top clubs plan around these windows and depth exists to cover a brief absence. There were contradictory posts too, from “great move for United” to fears a switch could derail the player’s happiness, even citing Matheus Cunha’s tough patch elsewhere. That comparison feels apples to oranges given different roles and systems.

Curiously, a few fans mentioned a different coaching vision being in place, but the core theme is clear: people want a right-sided threat who can beat his man and press. One quip even joked they want him “so I don’t have to watch Dalot,” a playful nod to the desire for more thrust on that flank. Overall, the majority appear ready for a January injection of pace and end product.

Social reactions

I just want him so I don’t have to watch Dalot

James (@HenrySpenc75401)

Sounds like Semenyo could be heading to the Theatre of Dreams!

Yani (@YanaSn0w1)

Could it happen? 👀

The United Space (@TheUtdSpace)

Prediction

Expect United to convert positive conversations into a structured approach before the window opens: framework on fee, add-ons tied to appearances and team achievements, and a clear performance plan for the second half of the season. Personal terms are not anticipated to be a roadblock given the player’s profile, age and Premier League platform. Bournemouth will understandably protect their valuation after his breakout campaign, so a swift agreement likely hinges on a package that rewards Bournemouth across the deal’s life cycle.

If United move decisively, a medical and announcement timeline could be sequenced early-to-mid January, allowing integration before the winter fixture crunch. Contingency planning will include short-term cover during international duty, with the coaching staff rotating wide options and potentially using a narrow front three in certain matches.

Should talks unexpectedly stall, United would pivot to a smaller pool of power-carry forwards with similar pressing metrics, but the current temperature suggests Semenyo is the primary target. Given the positive alignment around role and development, the most probable scenario is United landing their man, folding him into right-sided patterns immediately and using his dynamism to tilt tight matches that have too often drifted.

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Conclusion

All the signals point in one direction: Manchester United have identified a profile that fits the manager’s match model and the squad’s gaps, and Antoine Semenyo ticks the boxes. He brings pace, power, and purpose to a front line that needs more repeat runs in behind and more conviction in the first press. The conversations held this week were about more than pleasantries - they mapped out a role with real responsibility and a pathway that makes sense for player and club.

Bournemouth’s stance will be firm, as it should be after his rise, but United believe early alignment can compress timelines. This is the kind of smart, Premier League-ready addition that can change the feel of a season in a hurry, turning cagey draws into narrow wins. If the final details fall into place, Old Trafford will be getting a forward ready to hit the ground running, lift the right flank, and raise the team’s competitive edge from day one.