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Man Utd can save millions on Semenyo by unleashing 17-year-old academy star
Manchester United were willing to go all out to sign Antoine Semenyo this winter. The Ghanaian winger seems destined to leave Bournemouth within the next few weeks, and has a £65m release clause in his contract, which expires on the 10th of January.
A report from Fabrizio Romano said at the beginning of the week that United are still in the race to sign the Cherries star, and are “pushing” for his signature. However, David Ornstein has since revealed that he is set to reject the Red Devils. His ‘preference’ is to join cross-city rivals Manchester City.
But what exactly is it that Ruben Amorim saw in Semenyo to make him such a key target?
Why Man Utd needed to sign Semenyo
There is no doubt that Semenyo is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League this season. In 16 games, he’s already managed to score eight times and assist a further three goals. His 11 goals and assists are bettered only by Erling Haaland and United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes.
There is no doubt that Semenyo would bring quality to this Red Devils side. Former Premier League midfielder turned Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp, said the Ghana international is “an incredibly unique talent” and described him as “so easy on the eye.”
However, the productive and aesthetic footballing ability of the London-born attacker is not the only reason he’d be a good signing for United. Semenyo would bring exceptional versatility to the club too.
A winger by trade, the Bournemouth number 24 could operate in one of the number 10 roles, a move that Bryan Mbeumo has made since joining United. Alternatively, he could play as a wing-back like Amad has, and occupy similar zones to when he plays as a winger. That is a move that would surely suit Semenyo and would bring even more attacking firepower to United.
However, Amorim could save himself a fortune on this move and instead unleash an academy star to play a similar role.
Man United’s in-house Semenyo alternative
Amorim has been criticised for his lack of use when it comes to United’s academy stars. Of course, that is something deeply rooted in the club, but he did give two players a first-team debut last weekend, bringing Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey off the bench against Aston Villa.
Perhaps the next Carrington graduate will end up being 17-year-old Bendito Mantato. The Manchester-born starlet was also on the bench at Villa Park on Sunday, though Amorim did not call upon him for a debut.
This season, Mantato has impressed for United’s academy. He’s featured 18 times across all competitions, scoring three times and assisting twice. That takes his tally in academ football for the Red Devils up to 19 goals and eight assists.
One of the real positives about Mantato’s game is the fact that he can operate as a wing-back. Said to be “similar to Saka” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, like the United academy star, he also broke through as a wing-back, even if the 17-year-old is a winger by trade.
That is impressive flexibility for someone so inexperienced, and shows he has the quality to operate as a wing-back under Amorim.
Like the tricky Semenyo from the left-hand side, Mantato’s pace and directness could certainly hurt opponents, and he could offer good attacking dynamism to United’s side.
Mantato played a big part for England U17s in their World Cup campaign last month. Operating as a left-back, he showed excellent attacking nous, creating an average of 1.2 chances per game, and also made 2.5 tackles and interceptions on average per 90 minutes.
|
Mantato key stats – U17 World Cup |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat |
Per 90 mins |
Tournament total |
|
Minutes |
72.8 |
364 |
|
Key passes |
1.2 |
5 |
|
Dribbles completed |
0.7 |
3 |
|
Tackles & interceptions |
2.5 |
10 |
|
Aerial duels won |
1.2 |
5 |
|
Stats from Sofascore |
||
United are all about embracing the academy. In using Manatato as a wing-back, Amorim would not only save the club a fortune on the Semenyo deal but also continue to lean into the culture of the club, which he has not done much before Sunday’s trip to the Second City.
Mantato has previously been described as “one of the biggest talents at the club” by Academy Scoop over on X. It might be time for United to unleash someone with that much ability.
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