Man United could be ready to offer squad number to potential £65m January signing

United’s Subtle Strategy in Pursuit of Semenyo

United’s pursuit of Antoine Semenyo has grown steadily, shaped by performance metrics, positional needs and, intriguingly, shirt numbers. Credit to Manchester Evening News for the original reporting that has helped frame one of the more intriguing narratives emerging around Manchester United’s January plans. 

United’s Calculated Approach

Manchester United have been tracking Semenyo with purpose. His form this season has shifted him from a useful wide option into a player capable of changing the rhythm of attacks. Six goals and three assists in 11 Premier League matches underline why admiration has intensified. United believe his direct running and acceleration add qualities their frontline has lacked in certain phases, something one source described as “an injection of unpredictability and power that suits winter recruitment”.

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The promise of his preferred squad number, the No. 24, is part of the pitch. As noted, “United will hope to turn his head with the promise of his preferred No. 24 shirt being ready on arrival.” It is a small detail, but clubs often lean into minor gestures to create a sense of personal value. In this case, it also reflects United’s shifting view of Andre Onana, currently on loan at Trabzonspor and no longer central to future planning.

Changing Landscape for Current Goalkeepers

What adds texture to this situation is that Onana’s status has become increasingly precarious. “It does not look as though Onana faces much of a future with United after his reputation tumbled following a series of errors.” His loan spell, combined with the emergence of Senne Lammens under Ruben Amorim, has further diminished his role. Lammens has been framed internally as one of the summer’s smartest acquisitions and “already looks surplus to requirements” is a line that signals just how rapidly dynamics have shifted.

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The willingness to move the No. 24 shirt to Semenyo is therefore more than a symbolic gesture. It tacitly acknowledges reshaping within United’s squad structure.

Wider Transfer Battle

Semenyo’s release clause, set at £65 million, ensures clarity for any suitors. That figure, though steep, reflects Bournemouth’s valuation of a player who has grown in influence and consistency. United, however, find themselves in difficult company. Reports suggest “Liverpool and Manchester City lead the pursuit”, placing United on the periphery of a chase that could accelerate quickly once January arrives.

The challenge for United now is whether they can marry interest with decisiveness in a market where their rivals appear well positioned.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Manchester United fans would approach this report with a mixture of hope and scepticism. On one hand, the idea of signing a player with Semenyo’s explosiveness feels genuinely exciting. Supporters know the attack has lacked a certain aggression in transition and many would see him as someone capable of changing matches, particularly in tight contests where unpredictability matters. The fact that he has already delivered strong Premier League numbers adds reassurance that he could adapt quickly.

However, fans would also express frustration at hearing that United are not leading the queue. Recent years have conditioned supporters to expect hesitation in key dealings, and reading that Liverpool and Manchester City are viewed as stronger contenders will deepen fears that United could once again fall short through indecision or negotiation delays.

The detail about the No. 24 shirt would divide opinion. Some would laugh it off as irrelevant symbolism, while others would see it as evidence of a club finally thinking creatively in recruitment. Yet many supporters would point to the bigger issue: that competition from domestic rivals requires more than thoughtful gestures. It requires clarity, structure and conviction.

Overall, United fans would welcome the ambition but question whether the club can genuinely win this race in its current state.

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