Dream for Bruno: Man Utd are in talks to sign “explosive” £65m star
Despite Manchester United being far from their best this season, Bruno Fernandes has once again been exceptional. Despite playing deeper in United’s midfield, next to Casemiro in the pivot, he is still producing an extraordinary amount of goals and assists.
This season, the United captain has played 16 games in the Premier League, scoring five goals and assisting a further seven. That assist tally is more than any other player in the top flight.
As United content creator Dev Bajwa said, the Portuguese superstar has been “absolutely exceptional” for Ruben Amorim’s side this season.
He has benefited from extra attacking firepower this season, which United are looking to add to in January.
Man United targeting big-money attacker
The summer transfer window saw the Red Devils reshape their attack with a multi-million-pound overhaul. Benjamin Seso was signed to lead the line, and they brought in two players ready-made for the Premier League, in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
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Well, according to Fabrizio Romano, it seems they could follow a similar pattern in January. United are said to be ‘in direct talks’ for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. Romano reports that the 13-time Premier League champions have ‘called this week’ and are ‘pushing’ for a move in January.
Unsurprisingly, United are not the only side in the top flight who want to sign the Ghanaian attacker. Their cross-city rivals, Manchester City, have also opened talks to sign Semenyo, with Romano confirming the final choice is ‘up to the player.’ As for a price, the winger has a release clause of £65m, which is valid in the first 10 days of the window.
Why Bruno Fernandes would love Semenyo
There is no doubt that bringing Semenyo to Old Trafford would be a strong addition for Amorim’s squad. Although he is a winger by trade, he could slot in as a wing-back, as Amad has done successfully, play as a number 10 or even as a number nine, a role he has done before.
This season, the 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most in-form players. In 15 appearances in the top flight, Semenyo has found the back of the net on seven occasions and assisted three goals on top of that.
One of his most notable performances came away to Liverpool in the first game of the season. The Cherries number 24 bagged two goals at Anfield, devastating Arne Slot’s side in transitions and showcasing exactly why football scout Antonio Mango praised him for being so “explosive.”
Looking at some of his underlying numbers this season, it is easy to see why Semenyo is so highly sought after by both Manchester clubs. Not only is he averaging 0.8 goals and assists each game, but he’s creating 1.3 chances and winning 4.1 duels per 90 minutes on average.
Semenyo key stats in 25/26 PL season
Stat
Per 90 mins
Season total
Goals & assists
0.8
10
Conversion rate
22.58%
22.58%
Chances created
1.3
18
Take-ons completed
1.7
24
Ground duels won
4.1
60
Ball recoveries
5
74
Stats from Squawka
United fans might well be licking their lips at the prospect of seeing Semenyo playing alongside Fernandes this season. With the creativity of their skipper, even from those deeper zones, and the clinical nature of their potential new signing, it could be a match made in heaven.
The United number eight obviously has exceptional quality in the final third. He averages 3.15 key passes per game this season, placing him in the top 1% of Premier League midfielders. This pass to Mason Mount against Wolves is an example of the skill he possesses.
It is easy to imagine this duo being largely unstoppable for the Red Devils. Regardless of where on the pitch Semenyo operates, Fernandes has the ability to find him, especially if that is in transitional situations of more open games.
£65m is an expensive deal, especially in January, but United would be adding an extra quality in attack, signing a player who can make Fernandes’ output even better. Semenyo could be a huge addition for the Red Devils this winter.
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