Manchester United have been known to splash the cash in the transfer market over the last couple of years, with INEOS backing various managers in their quest.
Since the summer of 2022, over £800m has been spent on new additions at Old Trafford, but their spending has failed to catapult them to Premier League glory in recent years.
The Red Devils kept up their spending spree under Ruben Amorim during the recent summer window, with over £200m being spent on new additions to help bolster the squad.
The vast majority of the funds were injected into the attacking department, handing the manager a new infamous trio to help him in his quest for silverware at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, the hierarchy look set to continue their mammoth backing in the months ahead, resulting in numerous big-money talents being touted with transfers for the January window.
United’s hunt for new additions in the January window
With the window rapidly appearing on the horizon, United have already been heavily linked with a move for Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson this winter.
The Red Devils have been reportedly targeting a move for the 23-year-old, but it could be an expensive one, with Sean Dyche’s men currently demanding £100m for his signature.
Whilst the window is currently closed, it’s not stopped Amorim’s men from making their move, with the club already making contact with his current employers over a potential deal.
However, he’s not the only player in their sights, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo another player that is reportedly they’re hunting for in January.
According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men are set to make a €60m (£52m) bid for the Ghanaian international who’s already registered nine goal contributions in the Premier League this season.
Such a report also confirms that the Red Devils see the 25-year-old as a primary target to improve the front line, potentially linking with one talent as a result of his potential transfer.
Why United’s £52m target would be an Mbeumo repeat
During their recent summer spending spree, United forked out a staggering £71m for the services of Bryan Mbeumo, with the attacker joining from fellow Premier League side, Brentford.
Eyebrows were raised about the deal, undoubtedly because of the reported price tag, but a couple of months on, it’s safe to say it’s been a phenomenal piece of business.
The 26-year-old has already scored five times and registered one assist in his first 11 league outings, with such a tally the highest in the current first-team squad.
Within such efforts, numerous of which have been crucial, with the big-money addition scoring in the clash against Liverpool at Anfield – subsequently securing the club’s win at such a ground for the first time in nearly a decade.
However, despite his record, the hierarchy are still targeting attacking reinforcements, which could lead to their pursuit of Semenyo in the months ahead.
The similarities are there for all to see, with both players operating in wide roles, but often wanting to cut inside onto their favoured foot – Semenyo going so from the left, whilst Mbeumo features off the right.
Like the Cameroonian, the Ghanian has been the shining light for a less-established top-flight club, which could see the Cherries star make his own step to a “big six” outfit.
When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing season, Semenyo has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing how much of a sensational addition he would be.
The 25-year-old, who’s been labelled “the best winger in the country” by Chris Waddle, has already racked up more combined goals and assists – arguably being a more threatening option in the final third.
Games played
11
11
Goals & assists
9
6
Shot on target accuracy
61%
54%
Successful dribbles
1.9
0.8
Dribble success rate
47%
42%
Duels won
6.6
2.8
Aerials won
2.4
0.2
Possession won in final third
0.9
0.7
His underlying figures also highlight his quality in 2025/26, with Semenyo even registering a higher shot on target accuracy rate – making him a more all-round option in attacking areas.
He’s also completed more dribbles per 90, along with a higher success rate – further highlighting his quality with the ball at his feet, but Semenyo’s talents don’t end there.
The winger has dominated out of possession, winning more duels and more aerial battles, which could make him the perfect option for Amorim at Old Trafford.
£52m would be another huge investment from the hierarchy, but it’s a transfer that would add further firepower to the club’s already potent attacking department.
Given the success of Mbeumo since his own transfer, the hierarchy should be all over a deal for Semenyo, with the forward one of the most in-demand players in the division at present.
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2 ByAngus Sinclair