Manchester United’s need to improve the first-team squad in January is evident for all to see, especially after the defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Matheus Cunha did manage to net his second Premier League goal of the season, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to secure any points for Ruben Amorim’s men.
The Red Devils managed to create three big chances at Villa Park, but missed two of them, showcasing the need for attacking reinforcements next month.
Bryan Mbeumo would certainly have finished such opportunities, but Amorim will be unable to call upon him for the next month due to his participation at AFCON.
As a result, INEOS have started drawing up a shortlist of players whom they could target to strengthen the forward line for the immediate and long-term future.
Man Utd pushing to land £65m Premier League sensation
Over the last couple of weeks, United have been just one English side named in the hunt to land PSG sensation Bradley Barcola during the upcoming January window.
The Red Devils are said to have been closely monitoring the Frenchman’s progress in Ligue 1, after scoring five times in the first 13 games of the campaign.
However, the Parisians don’t want to offload the 23-year-old anytime soon and have subsequently placed a £70m asking price on his head to fend off any interest.
He’s not the only attacker currently in INEOS’ sights, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo another player who continues to be touted with a switch to Old Trafford.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Amorim’s men are “pushing” to secure a deal for the Ghanaian, with his £65m release clause set to expire on January 10th.
Journalist Ben Jacobs further reports that Liverpool held talks about signing the player back in November, but as of now, both Manchester clubs, City and United, are more “advanced” with their own talks.
Why Semenyo would get Sesko firing at Manchester United
Spending big money on a new attacker hasn’t been alien to Manchester United in recent months, as seen by the deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in the summer.
The hierarchy forked out a reported £74m for the 22-year-old’s signature, with such a deal seen as the perfect one to solve the Red Devils’ centre-forward issues.
However, 13 league games into his career at Old Trafford, it appears that the move has been a failure, with the Slovenian international only netting two goals in the process.
His showing against Aston Villa further highlights his struggles, subsequently registering just 16 touches of the ball, completing just seven passes and missing a big chance in front of goal.
However, a deal for Semenyo could certainly help the youngster in his quest for success in England’s top-flight, especially if he can replicate his numbers from the current campaign.
Whilst his goalscoring record showcases his individual quality, he’s also managed to provide those around him at the Vitality with opportunities to impress.
Semenyo, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by journalist Josh Wyatt, has completed 1.6 take-ons per 90 – often able to get into dangerous areas with the ball at his feet.
Antoine Semenyo – PL stats (25/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
16
Goals & assists
11
Take-ons completed
1.6
Chances created
1.4
Progressive passes
3.4
Passes into opposition box
1.4
Shots on target
1.3
Recoveries made
5.3
Stats via FBref
He’s also been able to add the end product to his mazy runs in the Premier League, as seen by his tally of 1.4 chances created per 90 – not to mention his goal contribution tally.
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The 25-year-old has registered 3.4 progressive passes and 1.4 passes into the opposition box per 90, with such numbers potentially falling perfectly into the hands of Sesko to turn around his dismal start to life at the club.
£65m in the modern market is an excellent price for a player of Semenyo’s quality, but it remains to be seen if he would choose a move to Old Trafford over the Etihad.
If he does complete a move to join Amorim’s men, it would certainly be yet another statement of intent from INEOS to lead United back to their former glory in the years ahead.
It could also be the perfect chance for Sesko to ignite his career at the club, with the duo having the chance to form a deadly partnership alongside one another.
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