It was hard not to be encouraged by the courage and resilience shown by Ruben Amorim’s makeshift Manchester United side on Friday night, with the hosts hanging on to secure a vital 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Wave after wave of Magpies attacks were repelled even amid a carousel of changes in the Red Devils’ backline, with 19-year-old Ayden Heaven winning the man-of-the-match gong after his outstanding performance as the only ever-present in that defensive unit.
The teenager’s task was undoubtedly made all the more difficult given the misfortunes of those before him, with United’s string of attacking lapses leaving them with few balls removed in a difficult second half.
How Amorim’s side could have used the pace and power of someone like Antoine Semenyo to get them back on the pitch, the Ghanaian’s blistering speed having been so evident in the 4-4 thriller against Bournemouth not long ago.
Unfortunately, it is looking increasingly likely that the 25-year-old will move elsewhere next month, with INEOS and United perhaps turning their attention to a suitable alternative instead.
Man Utd discuss Semenyo alternative
A summer that saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo plucked from their Premier League rivals could also have seen Semenyo follow suit, although United would have been put off by the former Bristol City man’s £70 million plus price tag.
With the looming January window approaching, those at Old Trafford have seemingly reignited that interest following suggestions that calls were made last week, with the in-form transfer available for a fee of £65m, due to his upcoming release clause.
Frustratingly for United and other top rivals, it appears it will be Manchester City who will ultimately win the race for his signature, with Semenyo apparently choosing the Etihad as his preferred destination for 2026, according to David Ornstein.
With that in mind, Amorim and his colleagues could well be changing direction, with TEAMtalk reporting that the club have “joined the hunt” for RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande.
According to the report, United are the latest member of the traditional ‘big six’ to have expressed an interest in the 19-year-old, with INEOS having already held talks with the teenager’s camp in recent weeks.
The article notes, however, that any potential move is likely to take place in the summer, with previous speculation suggesting he could be available for a fee of around £87 million.
Why Diomandé is so “similar” to Semenyo
It was evident again on Friday evening that a handful of absentees could leave United so hopelessly short at the top of the pitch, with the hosts finishing the game with Patrick Dorgu on one flank and Diogo Dalot on the other as the two most advanced wide options.
Without Amad or Mbeumo to call on, and having allowed the departure of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, Amorim appears to really need an extra spark – something to ignite his team in the final third.
Semenyo, with nine goals to his name already this season in the Premier League, would surely have done just that, although young Diomandé could well be the next best thing, even if the Red Devils have to wait until next summer.
Indeed, according to Seb Stafford-Bloor of The Athletic, the two men are “physically similar”, with Diomande possessing “the same skills and touch” as his senior counterpart.
This resemblance can undoubtedly be seen in their recent goalscoring streaks in 2025/26 to date, with the Leipzig starlet – who is currently on AFCON duty – scoring six goals in the Bundesliga so far, as well as providing two assists.
Also like Semenyo, the £87million youngster has real two-footed quality, with Diomande having scored four with his right and two with his left, according to Sofascore.
The most notable attribute the Ivorian possesses is his speedy dribbling prowess, ranking in the top 1% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful stances per 90, according to FBref, as well as the top 3% for progressive carries per 90.
|
Diomandé – Statistics 25/26 Bundesliga |
|
|---|---|
|
Condition (by 90) |
Diomandé |
|
Goals without penalty |
0.61 |
|
Aids |
0.20 |
|
Plan Creation Actions |
4.66 |
|
Success |
81.3% |
|
Progressive passes |
4.05 |
|
Progressive ports |
6.28 |
|
Successful positions taken |
4.26 |
|
Program passes received |
7.91 |
|
Tackles |
1.32 |
|
Interceptions |
0.71 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
|
Not only an outlet on offense, Diomande also steps in defensively from his wide spot, ranking in the top 3% in interceptions and top 11% in tackles per 90, no surprise that journalist Bence Bocsak hailed him as a “generational talent”.
Semenyo, for comparison, also has his own strengths in the defensive sense, ranking in the top 3% for blocks and aerial duels won per 90, over the last 365 days.
Of course, it’s the latter man who is currently in vogue in the Premier League, but if United wish to pursue a longer-term, high-potential alternative, then Diomande could well be the man.
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