Earlier this season, as results took a tick in the upwards direction, senior Manchester United figures started to relax, insisting there was no need to make January transfer market moves. Instead they would focus on more well-planned, summer pursuits.
As has often been the case in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson wilderness years around Old Trafford, however, any progress quickly becomes short-lived. Ruben Amorim is desperately short of options after an injury to Bruno Fernandes, United’s one guiding light, and with several players away at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
If United don’t act in January, missing out on European football could quickly become their modus operandi. The i Paper has been told that, while they will not stray far from their shortlist as senior figures have maintained all along, should the right player come up, United will act now. That is contrary to Ineos’ previous plans.
One player who certainly falls into that very category is Antoine Semenyo. As The i Paper reported last week, United were seen as one of the frontrunners for the in-demand winger, having already made contact with Bournemouth, who are resigned to losing him in the January window.
Semenyo setback
Yet early optimism has quickly been suppressed as it appears Manchester City will be the 25-year-old’s preferred destination. Semenyo has a clause in his contract that means he can leave for £65m before 10 January. Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are understood to have also been in touch with the Cherries.
Sources close to Semenyo believe he is perhaps making a mistake in joining City, given he would not be a guaranteed starter. He is the perfect fit for Ruben Amorim. If the besieged United boss sticks with his beloved 3-4-3 system, Semenyo could slot in as an attacking wing-back, on the opposite flank to Amad Diallo.
Semenyo is being pursued by four clubs (Photo: Getty)Should he stick with the new-look four-at-the-back he deployed in Boxing Day’s win over Newcastle, Semenyo would fulfil a more rudimentary winger’s role. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad’s Afcon absence necessitate a new arrival to slot straight into Premier League life – no problem there.
The deal is not signed yet, but City are confident they have won the race. United will therefore try look for an alternative, but they were interested in Semenyo as an individual – they will not necessarily look for another wide option.
Contrary to reports elsewhere, there is understood to be money available to spend. As Ineos tightened the purse strings, United have previously had to prioritise player sales in order to get more incomings over the line. The money saved in the past 12 months on wages and income generated from player sales, however, puts them in a more secure position to move quickly in January.
Mainoo’s future
Therefore, the attention switches to the main problem position. Fernandes’ absence in midfield – he faces up to a month on the sidelines – has ramifications for those wanting to seek pastures new. Kobbie Mainoo’s hopes of securing at least a loan move away from Old Trafford this month are now all but over, given he represents the only like-for-like replacement for the skipper in Amorim’s squad.
Mainoo is also injured, but is likely to return in early January. A host of clubs across Europe will still likely try to prize a disgruntled Mainoo from his boyhood club. Sources close to the player told The i Paper the 20-year-old academy graduate has for the first time been entertaining the idea of leaving United on a permanent basis, such is the misery he has endured on the sidelines of late.
United do not want, or need, to sell. Only a huge offer would be entertained. And unless they can secure one of their top midfield targets – Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba – in January, letting Mainoo go would leave Amorim in an impossible situation.
The cheaper options
All three would cost significantly more in January with their respective clubs reluctant to let them go without time to find a replacement. This is why the much-needed midfield overhaul will almost certainly wait until the summer.
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Short-term, cheaper options have been looked at – Ruben Neves is keen to return from Saudi Arabia and available at a knockdown price, while James Garner, who United sold to Everton, is being explored. Ineos feel they have made huge strides in their recruitment process, making these deals unlikely, unless there is real value.
There have been reports Joshua Zirkzee is on the verge of moving to Roma as he too remains on the periphery at Old Trafford. The i Paper has been told, however, that there has been no club-to-club contact as yet. Everton and West Ham are two Premier League clubs considering a loan swoop.
Any decision on Zirkzee is unlikely to be taken until after Afcon as United wait to see how long Mbeumo and Amad will be absent for, and whether they return injury free. Benjamin Sesko has had his fair share of injury problems, while Mason Mount’s physical condition cannot be relied upon either, further factors Amorim has to take into account.
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