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Manchester United were ready to do everything possible to sign Antoine Séményo this winter. The Ghanaian winger appears destined to leave Bournemouth in the coming weeks and has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which expires on January 10.
A report from Fabrizio Romano says as of the start of the week, United are still in the race to sign the Cherries star and are ‘pushing’ for his signature. However, David Ornstein has since revealed that he is about to reject the Red Devils. His “preference” is to join his rival Manchester City.
But what exactly is it? Ruben Amorim seen in Semenyo to make him such a key target?
Why Man Utd needed to sign Semenyo
There is no doubt that Semenyo is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League this season. In 16 matches, he has already managed to score eight times and provide three more assists. His 11 goals and assists are only bettered by Erling Haaland and United captain Bruno Fernandes.
There is no doubt that Semenyo would bring quality to this Red Devils team. Former Premier League midfielder turned Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp, said the Ghana international is “an incredibly unique talent” and described him as “so lovely to watch”.
However, the London-born striker’s productive and aesthetic footballing ability is not the only reason why he would be a good signing for United. Semenyo would also bring exceptional versatility to the club.
A trained winger, Bournemouth’s number 24 could move into one of the number 10 roles, a move Bryan Mbeumo has made since joining United. Alternatively, he could play as a winger like Amad and occupy similar areas to where he plays as a winger. It’s a move that would surely suit Semenyo and bring even more attacking firepower to United.
However, Amorim could save a fortune with this move and free up an academy star to play a similar role.
Man United’s internal Semenyo alternative
Amorim has been criticized for his lack of usefulness when it comes to United’s academy stars. Of course, it’s something that runs deep at the club, but he handed two players their first-team debuts last weekend, bringing Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey off the bench against Aston Villa.
Maybe Carrington’s next graduate will be 17-year-old Bendito Mantato. The Manchester-born starlet was also on the bench at Villa Park on Sunday, although Amorim did not call him on for his debut.
This season, Mantato has impressed United’s academy. He played 18 times in all competitions, scoring three times and assisting twice. This brings his tally in academy football for the Red Devils to 19 goals and eight assists.
One of the real positives of Mantato’s game is the fact that he can operate as a wing-back. We say to be “Saka-like” by Como recruiter Ben MattinsonLike the United academy star, he has also broken through as a winger, although the 17-year-old is a winger by trade.
This is impressive flexibility for someone so inexperienced and shows he has the quality to operate as a fullback under Amorim.
Like the tricky Semenyo on the left, Mantato’s pace and directness could certainly hurt his opponents, and he could provide some good attacking dynamism to United’s side.
Mantato played a big role for the England U17s during their World Cup campaign last month. Operating as a left back, he displayed excellent attacking acumen, creating on average 1.2 chances per game, and also made 2.5 tackles and interceptions on average per 90 minutes.
|
Mantato Key Stats – U17 World Cup |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistical |
Per 90 minutes |
Tournament total |
|
Minutes |
72.8 |
364 |
|
Key passes |
1.2 |
5 |
|
Completed dribbles |
0.7 |
3 |
|
Tackles and interceptions |
2.5 |
10 |
|
Aerial duels won |
1.2 |
5 |
|
Statistics of Couch Score |
||
United want to embrace the academy. By using Manatato as a winger, Amorim would not only save the club a fortune on the Semenyo deal, but would also continue to build on the club’s culture, something he did little to do before Sunday’s trip to Second City.
Mantato has previously been described as “one of the club’s biggest talents”. by Academy Scoop on X. Maybe it’s time for United to release someone with this much ability.
