Even during their struggles last season, Manchester United managed to attract proven Premier League talent like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford. This pair has since become crucial for Ruben Amorim during the 2025/26 campaign.
Attention now turns to the looming January transfer window. United had initially hoped to secure Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for an expected £65 million, with INEOS making initial inquiries.
Semenyo was initially the key target for United.
However, unlike Mbeumo and Cunha before him, the Ghanaian attacker reportedly favors a move to title rivals Manchester City, should he leave the Vitality Stadium. This preference forces United to look elsewhere for quality attacking reinforcements.
As City potentially strengthens an already formidable attack featuring players like Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, and Rayan Cherki, United is urgently seeking alternatives to boost their limited offensive options.
Semenyo was clearly the winger prioritized by Amorim and INEOS for 2026. Yet, this missed opportunity might unexpectedly prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Despite scoring only 44 league goals last season, United`s lack of attacking depth has remained a major concern this term, even with recent performance improvements.
While Mbeumo leads the forward line with six league goals since his arrival from Brentford, other major signings like Cunha and Mason Mount have only three goals each. Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee lag even further behind with two and one goal, respectively.
Given the low output, particularly from wide players like Amad (who only managed two league goals before his AFCON departure), the need for reinforcements on the flanks is evident, explaining the initial interest in Semenyo.
The search for wide attacking depth is crucial for United`s tactical setup.
According to reports originating in Spain, another high-profile option has emerged: Paris Saint-Germain sensation Bradley Barcola. United is believed to be one of three major teams vying for the 22-year-old Frenchman`s signature, competing alongside Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
The Red Devils have not ruled out submitting a formal bid if the opportunity arises, although the report suggests a summer deal is more likely. Nevertheless, INEOS is keen to position the club at the forefront of the queue immediately.
Amorim’s recent tactical shift toward conventional formations like the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 has amplified the demand for high-quality wide players, especially off the left flank.
Semenyo, having scored nine league goals this season, would have been a worthwhile choice. However, Barcola is potentially a far greater talent, described by analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson as “one of the best left-wingers in Europe.”
Despite only registering five Ligue 1 goals in the 2025/26 season, the former Lyon prodigy was central to PSG`s domestic and European surge last term, achieving a spectacular combined total of 21 goals and 21 assists across all competitions.
In contrast, Semenyo finished last season with only 13 goals and seven assists to his name, highlighting a considerable potential gulf in class between the two exciting wingers.
What truly separates Barcola from his Bournemouth counterpart is his proven quality at the elite Champions League level, where he contributed seven goals and assists in 17 appearances during PSG`s victorious campaign under Luis Enrique.
Across the last year, Barcola`s performance metrics place him favorably among his peers in Europe`s top five leagues, notably ranking in the top 4% for assists, as well as the top 7% for pass completion.
The PSG speedster also consistently outperforms Semenyo in several key metrics, coming out on top for progressive carries, progressive passes received, and touches in the attacking penalty area over the last 12 months.
| Barcola vs Semenyo – Last 365 Days (Per 90) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stat (per 90) | Barcola | Semenyo |
| Non-penalty goals | 0.37 | 0.37 |
| Assists | 0.43 | 0.22 |
| Progressive Carries | 3.05 | 1.80 |
| Touches in Attacking Penalty Area | 5.50 | 4.12 |
Rupert Fawcett
