"Fantastic" 25yo star now wants January move to Man Utd instead of Tottenham - Ornstein

Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in signing one of the Premier League’s in-form forwards in January.

The Red Devils have had a mixed league campaign under manager Ruben Amorim, but they are still within three points of the top four.

The club have a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League, and the hierarchy could back the manager with a marquee winter signing.

A new defensive midfielder would be ideal for the Red Devils, but none of their prime targets could be available during the winter period.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba may not move until the summer.

In that case, the club could focus on further strengthening their attack, and David Ornstein has provided a big update ahead of the transfer window.

Speaking to NBC Sports yesterday, Ornstein said that United and Manchester City are the leading contenders to land Antoine Semenyo.

The Bournemouth attacker has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which will be active between January 1 and 10.

Ornstein highlighted that Liverpool and Arsenal are unlikely to pursue a winter deal, while Semenyo has turned down a move to Tottenham Hotspur despite them offering a significant salary.

The reputed journalist says Semenyo is waiting for ‘mainly City or United’.

He said: “The names that are emerging as the leading contenders right now are Manchester City and Manchester United – in no particular order.

“Liverpool are said to have had great admiration for him. They have not moved to the same extent so far, but let’s see if anything changes around the Isak injury situation.

“Tottenham were keen, and I am led to believe they were prepared to pay a significant salary to Semenyo, but he’s politely focusing on other options, mainly City or United.

“Arsenal might have looked at the situation, but more towards the summer, and I don’t think he is willing to wait until that point.”

Semenyo could transform United’s fortunes

The Red Devils have had plenty of opportunities to break into the top four this campaign. They have squandered them with draws and defeats over the past few weeks.

The club have scored as many goals as Arsenal this term, but their defensive record has been poor.

It seems unlikely that United will land a top-quality defensive midfielder this winter. The onus could be on bolstering the attack with a signing that can make an instant impact.

Semenyo, described as ‘fantastic‘ by former Bristol City manager Dean Holden, would be a fabulous acquisition for the Red Devils.

The 25-year-old has already netted eight goals and provided three assists in the league this campaign, and has excelled playing on either wing. He could operate as a wide number 10 for the Red Devils.

United see Semenyo as a potential solution in the left wing-back role ahead of Patrick Dorgu. He could shine in the position too, given that he is someone who works hard without the ball.

Semenyo has won an impressive 6.4 duels on average, with five recoveries and 1.7 tackles per game. He could provide an immediate boost for United and transform their fortunes.

The Ghanaian star could be a difference-maker for United in their pursuit of Champions League football.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .