Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reportedly held secret talks with Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo before the Bournemouth star committed his long-term future to the Cherries.
According to Punch Sports Extra, Amorim met Semenyo for dinner in London at the end of last season to assess the striker’s character, as United pursued attacking reinforcements.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and transfer director Jason Wilcox also opened discussions with Bournemouth, but the move collapsed after the Ghanaian opted to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium.
United were prepared to spend around 55 million Pounds to lure Semenyo, but the Black Stars forward is believed to have been unimpressed with the personal terms offered, which were lower than packages put forward to other targets.
The Red Devils eventually splashed more than 60 million Pounds each on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
While Mbeumo has already scored for United in a league win over Burnley, Cunha picked up an injury in the same match.
Semenyo, who signed a contract extension until 2030, expressed delight at continuing his journey with Bournemouth.
“I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season,” Semenyo told the club’s media.
“From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can’t speak highly enough of the people around the club.”
The 25-year-old forward enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024/25, netting 11 league goals and 13 in all competitions.
He has started the current campaign in fine form, scoring twice against Liverpool on the opening weekend and providing an assist in the victory over Wolves.
Semenyo was a thorn in United’s side last season, scoring home and away as Bournemouth stunned the Old Trafford outfit.
The two sides will not face each other until December in the ongoing Premier League season.
Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS