‘Man United moving for Antoine Semenyo after Matheus Cunha latest’
Man United are preparing a move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in the summer transfer window, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that scouts have been impressed by the 25-year-old’s performances.
This comes after the forward scored his 11th goal of the season during Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with United at the Vitality Stadium on 27 April.
However, United are not the only club interested in Semenyo and will face stiff competition for his signature if he is allowed to leave Bournemouth.
Football Insider revealed in December that Bournemouth will entertain offers for Semenyo amid interest from Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in October that the Cherries will demand £40-50million for Semenyo if they are to let him leave this summer.
Man United plan swoop for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo
Brown told Football Insider in February that Semenyo is a priority target for Newcastle as they aim to strengthen their wide options during the off-season.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, has insisted that United see the forward as a good fit for Ruben Amorim’s side.
“Man United have been impressed by Semenyo this season,” he told Football Insider.
“He certainly didn’t do himself any harm with that performance on Sunday.
“He fits the bill of the type of player Ruben Amorim is looking for, he’s strong, quick, he’s got plenty of energy and works hard, he’s good in shooting situations and good in the air too.
“They’ll know all of that and they’ll know his weaknesses too from watching him this season.
“Amorim likes to play his 3-4-3 system, and Semenyo could fit into any of those three positions, so that’s another point in his favour.
“I don’t think he’s the player to restore United to former glories, but he’d be an improvement on what they’ve got at the moment.
“When I first watched Semenyo playing for Newport, I never thought he’d get to where he is now.
“That’s a testament to how hard he has worked and his ability to improve under pressure.
“One think United always have to consider whether players will be able to handle that step – it’s nothing to do with how good he is on the pitch, can he handle the pressure?
“Based on the evidence of his career, that’s not going to be an issue for Semenyo.
“So based on all of that, and to give him credit, he’s had a fantastic season and is definitely in the frame to join Man United – I think he’d be a good options.”
Matheus Cunha update emerges after Marcus Rashford latest
Another forward United are aiming to recruit this summer is Wolves star Matheus Cunha, who looks certain to leave Molineux come the end of the season.
Brown told Football Insider that Man United have been working to sign Cunha behind the scenes after identifying him as one of Amorim’s top targets.
However, his “huge” £62.5million release clause could prove problematic if United cannot sell players, with Marcus Rashford top of the list of departures.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal were put off a move for Cunha amid concerns about his attitude following on-pitch and social media outbursts.
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