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It was hard not to be encouraged by the courage and resilience shown Ruben Amorimit’s fortune Manchester United on Friday night, with the hosts hanging on to secure a vital 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Wave after wave of Magpies attacks were repelled even amid a carousel of changes in the Red Devils’ backline, with 19-year-old Ayden Heaven winning the man-of-the-match gong after his outstanding performance as the only ever-present in that defensive unit.
The teenager’s task was undoubtedly made all the more difficult given the misfortunes of those before him, with United’s string of attacking lapses leaving them with few balls removed in a difficult second half.
How could the Amorim team have been satisfied with the pace and power of a character like Antoine Séményo to get them back on the pitch, the Ghanaian’s lightning speed to carry the ball having been so evident in the 4-4 thriller against Bournemouth not long ago.
Unfortunately, it is looking increasingly likely that the 25-year-old will move elsewhere next month, with INEOS and United perhaps instead turning their attention to a suitable alternative.
Man Utd discuss Semenyo alternative
A summer that saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo compete Premier League rivals could I also saw Semenyo follow suitalthough United would have been put off by the former Bristol City man’s £70 million plus price tag.
With the looming January window approaching, players at Old Trafford have seemingly reignited that interest following suggestions that calls were made last week, with the in-form striker available for a fee of £65 million, due to his upcoming release clause.
Frustratingly for United and other top rivals, it appears it will be Manchester City who will ultimately win the race for his signature, with Semenyo apparently choosing the Etihad as his his favorite destination for 2026, according to David Ornstein.
With this in mind, Amorim and co could well redirect their attention, with TEAMtalk reports that the club has “joined the hunt” for RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande.
According to the report, United are the latest member of the traditional ‘big six’ to have expressed an interest in the 19-year-old, with INEOS having already held talks with the teenager’s camp in recent weeks.
The article notes, however, that any potential move would likely have to take place during the summer, with previous speculation suggesting he could be available for a fees of around £87 million.
Why Diomandé is so “similar” to Semenyo
It was evident again on Friday evening that a handful of absentees could leave United so hopelessly short at the top of the pitch, with the hosts finishing the game with Patrick Dorgu on one flank and Diogo Dalot on the other as the two most advanced wide options.
Without Amad or Mbeumo to call on, and having allowed the departure of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, Amorim appears to really need an extra spark – something to ignite his team in the final third.
Semenyo, with nine goals to his name already this season in the Premier League, would surely have done just that, although young Diomandé could well be the next best thing, even if the Red Devils have to wait until next summer.
Indeed, in the eyes of Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloorthe two men are “physically similar”, with Diomandé possessing “all the same skills and touch” as his senior counterpart.
This resemblance can undoubtedly be seen in their recent goalscoring streaks in 2025/26 to date, with the Leipzig starlet – who is currently on AFCON duty – scoring six goals in the Bundesliga so far, as well as providing two assists.
Also like Semenyo, the £87million youngster has real two-footed quality, with Diomande having scored four with his right and two with his left, according to Sofascore.
The most notable attribute the Ivorian possesses is his speedy dribbling prowess, ranking in the top 1% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful stances per 90, according to FBref, as well as the top 3% for progressive carries per 90.
|
Diomandé – Statistics 25/26 Bundesliga |
|
|---|---|
|
Condition (by 90) |
Diomandé |
|
Goals without penalty |
0.61 |
|
Aids |
0.20 |
|
Plan Creation Actions |
4.66 |
|
Success |
81.3% |
|
Progressive passes |
4.05 |
|
Progressive ports |
6.28 |
|
Successful positions taken |
4.26 |
|
Program passes received |
7.91 |
|
Tackles |
1.32 |
|
Interceptions |
0.71 |
Not only an outlet in attack, Diomandé also steps in defensively from his wide position, ranking in the top 3% for interceptions and top 11% for tackles per 90, and it’s no surprise that journalist Bence Bocsak hailed him as a “generational talent“.
Semenyo, for comparison, also has his own strengths in the defensive sense, ranking in the top 3% for blocks and aerial duels won per 90, over the last 365 days.
Of course, it’s the latter man who is currently in vogue in the Premier League, but if United wish to pursue a longer-term, high-potential alternative, then Diomande could well be the man.
