Antoine Semenyo: How “lowball” offer ended United’s chances | OneFootball

Manchester United have lost almost all of their creative spark due to injuries and AFCON.

Amad and Bryan Mbeumo’s AFCON departure was swiftly followed by injuries to talisman Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount.

And naturally, that has taken a toll on their performance. This explains why they were ready to trigger the release clause of Antoine Semenyo.

As things stand, the Bournemouth talisman is heading to Manchester City even though United and Liverpool are still trying to hijack the deal at the last minute.

Antoine Semenyo heading to City

Things could have been made more straightforward if INEOS had not made a “lowball” offer, as per Football Transfers.

The Ghanaian was close to agreeing a deal to join the Old Trafford side, with the versatile attacker even agreeing personal terms with the club.

However, he later found out that the 20-time English league champions had offered him lower wages than fellow summer signings — Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo.

He took exception to the fact, and as a result, stayed back at the Vitality Stadium and now, is heading to the Etihad.

United fumbled the bag big time

“Ruben Amorim met Semenyo in person to assess his character.

“United had agreed personal terms with the player only for Semenyo to discover that their salary offer to him was significantly less than what they’d given Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. This allowed Bournemouth to persuade the player to sign a new contract with a release clause.

“Pretty much all the top clubs in the Premier League have tried to exploit it. Manchester United came back in. Chelsea enquired. Liverpool looked at time. Tottenham made an offer and failed again because he decided Manchester City was the most attractive club to move to.”

Antoine Semenyo would have been perfect

Mbeumo earns £150,000 gross per week, while Cunha earns £180,000 gross per week (as per capology), and surely INEOS could have offered as much. He currently earns £75,000 gross per week at Bournemouth.

Antoine Semenyo has eight goals, placing him third in the list of goalscorers for the current campaign. Last season, he had notched 13 goals.

His versatility and ability to produce moments of magic mean United have missed out big time.

Feature image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images

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