David Ornstein: Ruben Amorim is “very fond” of Antoine Semenyo | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim is a huge fan of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo as Manchester United’s interest in the Ghanaian international continues to grow ahead of the summer transfer window, according to David Ornstein.

Semenyo, 25, has been at the heart of Bournemouth’s impressive season under Spanish manager Andoni Iraola with the Cherries currently 8th in the Premier League table, only seven points off Champions League qualification.

The Ghanaian international has returned nine goals and six assists in all competitions for Bournemouth, demonstrating a versatile skillset as Iraola has utilised Semenyo on either wing with equal effectiveness.

But it’s off the ball where the 25-year-old is even more of standout player, ranking in the 98th percentile for blocks, 97th for aerial duels, 82nd for clearances and 76th for tackles amongst wingers in Europe’s top five leagues.

And it’s this relentless work rate which will have undoubtedly put Amorim – who demands high levels of defensive output from his wide players – on red-alert over the prospect of adding Semenyo to his squad.

Ornstein reveals Amorim is “very fond” of the Bournemouth winger, which explains why United are believed to have “opened talks” with their Premier League competitor over a potential swoop, as relayed by The Peoples Person last month.

However, The Athletic reporter contends Bournemouth are set to demand a “club record” for Semenyo should they let their prized asset leave this summer.

“[Bournemouth] would be looking to sell Semenyo for a fee in excess of what they got for Dominic Solanke, which was £65 million, because there’s no release clause. They would want a club record.”

The financial situation at Old Trafford is a fraught one with the acute pressure of PSR likely to constrain United’s spending powers in the transfer market, unless significant funds can be generated through sales.

The prospect of INEOS sanctioning a deal around the £70 million mark, or even beyond, feels unlikely, articularly given United’s reported interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian’s contract at Molineux contains a £62.5 million release clause which the Reds are believed to be exploring as an option. Cunha, also 25, appears tailor made for the number ten role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Semenyo, however, looks an ideal candidate to take on either of the wing-back roles, offering a dramatic improvement from an attacking perspective on the current cohort of options at Old Trafford.

The Bournemouth wide man possesses a powerful 6’1 frame with excellent speed and acceleration. He is comfortable playing on both sides and, as previously explained, is a willing presser with outstanding defensive qualities.

Semenyo could, therefore, prove a transformational signing for Amorim if the 40-year-old chooses to deploy him as a wing-back, from both a defensive and offensive perspective. The question just remains whether INEOS will be able to transform United’s summer budget through sales in order to secure the talented 25-year-old for their Portuguese head coach.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social