Manchester United to go “all out” to pip Manchester City to top target amid Guardiola future uncertainty

Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – December 15, 2025 Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United's Ayden Heaven, Manchester United's Casemiro, Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez and Manchester United's Diogo Dalot react after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..

Manchester United are hopeful of beating Manchester City to the signing of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo following growing uncertainty over Pep Guardiola’s future at the Etihad. Semenyo’s future has been the subject of much speculation after it was revealed the player has a £65 million release clause that becomes active in January.

The Manchester rivals as well as Liverpool, and Tottenham are all known to be admirers of the player. Man United and Man City are believed to be the frontrunners, however uncertainty surrounding City manager Pep Guardiola’s future has given United fresh encouragement.

Guardiola has 18 months remaining on his current deal, and his recent comments did little to dispel the notion that he will depart the Etihad at that point. United now feel they have an advantage in the race for Semenyo, and The Daily Telegraph reports that United will go “all-out” to sign the 25-year-old in January.

The Ghana took his goal tally for the season to seven after his strike against United in Bournemouth’s enthralling 4–4 draw with Ruben Amorim’s side on Monday. Only Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago and Bruno Fernandes have contributed to more goals in the Premier League this season than Semenyo.

United were one the summer’s big spenders after an outlay of over £216m. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko all joined a new look United attack but the Red Devils could be set for even more investment in January.

Semenyo could be the final piece to United’s attacking rebuild. Ghana’s failure to qualify for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations means the player will remain available for the festive period.

United could possess another advantage over their rivals, in the form of Semenyo’s preferred No.24 shirt number. That number was previously help by keeper Andre Onana who has now departed the club on loan.

Semenyo could be the subject of a bidding war, with United’s other fierce rivals Liverpool also known to be keen on the player. Liverpool are in search of a long term replacement for Mohammed Salah and could look to the Bournemouth star to fill the void.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.