🔍 My thoughts on Manchester United & Man City targeting Antoine Semenyo
If the reports are accurate and both Manchester United and Manchester City have contacted Bournemouth to clarify the terms of Semenyo’s £65m release clause, it underlines just how highly rated he has become in the Premier League.
🔴 For Manchester United
A move actually makes a lot of sense.
- Profile fit: Semenyo’s pace, power, and ability to play wide or centrally suits Ruben Amorim’s system, especially if United continue using attacking wing-backs.
- Premier League–proven: United need fewer “adaptation risks” right now. Semenyo already knows the league.
- Mentality: He works hard defensively and carries the ball aggressively — traits United have lacked in wide areas.
- Timing: January is risky, but United’s need for energy and directness could justify an early move.
The concern is the £65m price tag. For United, that’s a big investment for a player who is still developing consistency at elite-club level. But in a market where proven wide attackers are scarce, the fee isn’t shocking.
🔵 For Manchester City
City’s interest feels more strategic than urgent.
- Guardiola values wingers who can score from wide, something Semenyo has shown flashes of.
- However, City already have depth and often rotate heavily.
- Semenyo would likely face limited minutes, which could slow his growth.
Unless Guardiola sees him as a long-term evolution piece rather than a rotation option, City may struggle to convince him over guaranteed playing time elsewhere.
🧠 Key question
The biggest factor may not be the fee — but game time.
- At United: potential starter or key system player
- At City: rotation, development, patience required
For a player entering his prime, that matters.
🟢 Final verdict
- United: High-risk, high-reward — but tactically logical
- City: Technically attractive, but less convincing pathway
If Semenyo wants responsibility and growth, United could be the better move.
If he wants trophies and elite coaching, City holds the edge.
