Better than Semenyo: Man Utd plot bid for “one of the best LWs in Europe”
Even at their lowest ebb last season, Manchester United’s pulling power was enough to entice both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford, with the Premier League-proven pair having since been two of Ruben Amorim’s shining lights in 2025/26 thus far.
With the January window looming, there had been hopes that it would be a similar story with regard to Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, with INEOS making calls ahead of launching a potential move for the £65m man.
Unlike Mbeumo and Cunha before him, however, the Ghanaian appears to have his heart set on a different destination, should he move on from the Vitality Stadium as expected, with title challengers Manchester City believed to be his preferred pick.
A City side that already boasts the likes of Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki could well add yet another attacking weapon to their arsenal, with United now left to seek out suitable alternatives to bolster their own slim options at the top end of the pitch.
Semenyo appeared to be who Amorim and INEOS wanted in 2026, yet could that missed opportunity actually prove a blessing in disguise?
Man Utd plotting bid for a bigger talent than Semenyo
Even while improvements have been made this season, after netting just 44 league goals last time around, United’s dearth of real attacking depth and quality has been keenly felt of late.
Indeed, while Mbeumo has hit six top-flight goals following his arrival from Brentford, the likes of Cunha and Mason Mount have just three apiece, while Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee are even further back on just two goals and one goal, respectively.
With even Amad, currently on AFCON duty, also registering just two league goals this term, there is a real need for reinforcements on the flanks, hence that long-standing interest in Semenyo.
According to reports in Spain, another option might have emerged in the form of Paris Saint-Germain sensation, Bradley Barcola, with United believed to be one of three teams vying for the Frenchman’s signature.
As per the report, while both Bayern Munich and Liverpool are in the mix, the Red Devils haven’t ruled out making a formal bid for the 22-year-old, should the chance present itself.
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The piece does add that a deal is more likely to be struck in the summer, although INEOS are keen to manoeuvre the club to the front of the queue now.
How Barcola compares to Semenyo
With Amorim having shifted to more of a conventional 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 in recent outings, it has opened up the need for more genuine options on the flanks, particularly off the left.
Semenyo, having scored nine league goals this season, would have been a worthwhile choice, although Barcola might even be the bigger talent, having been described as “one of the best left-wingers in Europe” by analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson.
The former Lyon starlet has only scored five times in Ligue 1 in 2025/26, although he was a central part of PSG’s surge both domestically and in Europe last term, having registered 21 goals and a further 21 assists in all competitions.
For comparison, Semenyo ended last season with just 13 goals and seven assists to his name, highlighting that potential gulf in class between the two exciting widemen.
What also separates Barcola from his Bournemouth counterpart is his proven quality at Champions League level, having registered seven goals and assists in 17 appearances as the Parisian outfit romped to victory under Luis Enrique.
Across the last year in general, Barcola stacks up favourably in relation to his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, notably ranking in the top 4% for assists, as well as in the top 7% for pass completion.
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His averages per 90 across a string of metrics also better Semenyo in the last 12 months, with the PSG speedster coming out on top for progressive carries, progressive passes received and touches in the attacking penalty area, among other key points of comparison.
Barcola vs Semenyo – last 365 days
Stat (per 90)
Barcola
Semenyo
Non-penalty goals
0.37
0.37
Assists
0.43
0.20
Shot-creating actions
4.60
3.61
Pass completion
83.7%
73.0%
Progressive passes
4.02
3.41
Progressive carries
4.96
3.58
Successful take-ons
1.55
1.56
Touches in opposition box
8.37
4.78
Prog. passes received
14.80
6.74
Stats via FBref
In essence, as Mattinson alluded to, he is one of the very best on the continent in his field, having perhaps only been overshadowed by the exploits of Kvicha Kvaratskhelia ahead of him on Enrique’s left flank.
Should the Champions League winner need a fresh start in order to properly realise his potential, then Old Trafford might well be the ideal destination.
Semenyo, of course, is proven in English football, but Barcola’s highlight reel on the European stage ensures he would surely be an even more exciting addition.
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