In one of his final acts as Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim made a personal phone call to Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in a last-ditch attempt to lure the long-term target to Old Trafford. The call ultimately failed, with Semenyo now on the verge of finalising a move to United's rivals, Manchester City.
The Final Push Before the Axe Fell
Ruben Amorim, 40, was dismissed by Manchester United around 14 months into his tenure, following a stunning press conference where he lashed out at the club's hierarchy and former captain Gary Neville. However, in the days leading up to his sacking, the Portuguese tactician was still actively pursuing transfer targets.
According to reports from the Times, Amorim was particularly intent on signing Bournemouth's Ghanaian international, Antoine Semenyo. So determined was he that he personally spoke to the player over the phone, outlining his vision for how Semenyo would fit into his plans at Old Trafford.
Semenyo's Concerns and Amorim's Reassurance
The conversation revealed a key sticking point. It is believed Semenyo was intrigued by the prospect of joining United but had significant concerns about Amorim's tactical setup. The forward, who previously played for Bristol City, was reportedly worried he might be deployed as a wing-back in Amorim's favoured 3-4-2-1 formation.
In response, Amorim sought to reassure the player, telling him he was a flexible manager and would not necessarily be wedded to that system in the future. This claim, however, stood in stark contrast to Amorim's public statements, where he had vehemently defended his football philosophy and use of the formation.
In his final match in charge—a 1-1 draw with Leeds United—Amorim did indeed deploy a back three, with full-back Patrick Dorgu even featuring in the front three alongside Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
From United Target to City Bound
Despite Amorim's personal intervention, Semenyo's move to Manchester United did not materialise. Instead, as reported by the Athletic, the Bournemouth star is now close to completing a transfer to Manchester City, having decided to link up with Pep Guardiola's side.
This failed transfer pursuit is said to have contributed to the breakdown in relations that led to Amorim's exit. The manager was reportedly informed that new signings in the January window were off the table, a significant blow to his plans.
Semenyo, who scored against United in a 4-4 draw at Old Trafford last season, is expected to play his final game for Bournemouth in their upcoming Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. As part of the agreement for his departure, the South Coast club insisted on retaining him for fixtures against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Spurs.
The episode highlights the turbulent final days of Amorim's reign, where off-pitch frustrations and failed recruitment converged, culminating in his dramatic departure and a significant transfer boost for the club's local rivals.
