Manchester United’s pursuit of Antoine Semenyo fell apart this summer despite a covert charm offensive from head coach Ruben Amorim, who personally met the Ghanaian striker in London before the Bournemouth star signed a lucrative extension with the Cherries.
According to Punch Sports Extra, Amorim held a discreet dinner meeting with the 25-year-old forward at the close of last season, using the encounter to gauge Semenyo’s mentality as United hunted for attacking reinforcements. The club’s chief executive Omar Berrada and transfer chief Jason Wilcox had also opened preliminary talks with Bournemouth, tabling a deal worth roughly £55 million.
But negotiations quickly fizzled. Sources suggest Semenyo was underwhelmed by United’s contract proposal, which reportedly lagged behind packages offered to other transfer targets. Instead, the Ghana international chose loyalty over a marquee move, committing to Bournemouth until 2030.
“I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season,” Semenyo told the club’s media team. “From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can’t speak highly enough of the people around the club.”
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United ultimately pivoted, investing over £60 million apiece in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. While Mbeumo has already opened his scoring account in a league victory over Burnley, Cunha suffered an injury in the same game, casting a shadow over United’s summer rebuild.
Semenyo, meanwhile, continues to shine on the South Coast. Coming off a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign in which he bagged 11 league goals and 13 across all competitions, the Black Stars forward has started this season in blistering fashion, scoring twice against Liverpool on opening weekend and adding an assist in Bournemouth’s triumph over Wolves.
The striker’s decision to stay put will sting particularly hard for United fans. Semenyo tormented the Red Devils last term, scoring both home and away.
