Manchester United saw £50 million offer for “incredible” international forward rejected this summer

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring with Justin Kluivert and Evanilson. (REUTERS/Ian Walton)

Manchester United finally look like a team on the rise again.

After back-to-back wins over Sunderland and Liverpool, Rúben Amorim’s men made it three victories on the bounce with a thrilling 4-2 triumph over Brighton at the weekend.

Bryan Mbeumo grabbed a brace, while Casemiro and Matheus Cunha were also on the scoresheet — the latter netting his first goal for the club.

For the first time in months, United seem to be finding rhythm and confidence under their Portuguese boss, now sitting sixth in the Premier League.

Yet, their attack could have looked very different — if one big-money move had come off in the summer.

According to a report from The Telegraph, Manchester United saw a £50 million offer for Antoine Semenyo turned down by Bournemouth during the most recent transfer window. Tottenham were also said to have made a similar approach, but both were rebuffed.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward has been in superb form this season, helping Andoni Iraola’s Cherries enjoy a remarkable start to the campaign.

Despite losing several key players over the summer, Bournemouth currently sit second in the Premier League with just one defeat in nine matches — and Semenyo has been central to that success, producing six goals and three assists so far.

Following the rejected bids, Semenyo put pen to paper on a new five-year deal at the Vitality Stadium. However, The Telegraph reports that the contract includes a release clause, the details of which remain private but could give suitors like United another chance next year.

If his current trajectory continues, Bournemouth could command a much higher fee in 2026 — especially given the player’s growing reputation.

Pundit Jamie Redknapp has been one of many to heap praise on Semenyo, saying: “He just glides across that surface. An incredible, unique talent. So fantastic to see. Doesn’t matter if it’s right foot, left foot — makes no difference for him.”

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.