Man Utd’s Plan B? Red Devils Eye Up Alternative to Bryan Mbeumo But Face Competition from Tottenham for Exciting Winger

United’s Summer Strategy Shifts Toward Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo Amid Bryan Mbeumo Snag

Manchester United’s summer rebuild is beginning to take shape, but not without its fair share of challenges and strategic pivots. After a difficult campaign that saw them miss out on European football, the Red Devils are under pressure to reshape their attack and get back into contention at the top of the Premier League.

Their primary target remains Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, but as negotiations prove difficult, the club is now keeping tabs on Bournemouth’s versatile forward Antoine Semenyo—a player who has quietly made a name for himself as one of the Premier League’s most explosive wide attackers. According to reports from Sky Sports, United are not alone in their admiration. Tottenham Hotspur have also stepped up their interest in the Ghanaian international, setting the stage for a potential summer transfer tug-of-war.

Mbeumo Remains Priority – But Not Without Hurdles

Make no mistake—Bryan Mbeumo is still Erik ten Hag’s top choice. The Brentford star was electric throughout the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 20 goals in the league and emerging as one of the few consistently dangerous forwards outside of the traditional top six. He offers a rare blend of pace, directness, and end product—qualities United have been sorely lacking on the flanks.

But bringing Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford is proving trickier than expected. United reportedly tabled a £55 million ($74.6m) bid earlier this month, but Brentford were quick to reject the offer. The West London club, known for their savvy transfer dealings, are holding firm on their valuation, believed to be closer to £70 million, especially given the interest Mbeumo is attracting from other top clubs.

To make matters more complicated, United’s failure to secure European football next season—after a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final—has weakened their negotiating hand. Without the draw of European nights, convincing elite-level players to commit to the project becomes significantly more difficult.

Antoine Semenyo: From Under-the-Radar to In-Demand

Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth 2024-25

Enter Antoine Semenyo, Manchester United’s emerging “Plan B”. The 25-year-old enjoyed a standout season with Bournemouth, tallying 13 goals and seven assists across all competitions. He operated not just as a right winger—where United would likely use him—but also proved capable through the middle and on the left. His positional flexibility is a massive asset for any manager looking to shuffle the pack during a congested season.

Semenyo’s rise has been impressive. After joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023, he steadily adjusted to the demands of top-flight football. The 2024/25 season marked his full breakout, with his pace, strength, and instinctive finishing earning him admirers across the league.

He may not (yet) have Bryan Mbeumo’s goal output, but he’s younger, potentially cheaper, and arguably just scratching the surface of what he could become. That’s the kind of upside that can tempt a team like United, especially in a transfer market where prices are soaring.

Spurs Also in the Mix – A Familiar Foe for United

However, Tottenham are not letting United have a free run at Semenyo. Ange Postecoglou’s side are also in the market for a dynamic wide forward and have reportedly ramped up talks with Bournemouth. With European football secured and a system that would allow Semenyo to thrive on the counterattack, Spurs offer an appealing option for the player.

This isn’t the first time United and Spurs have gone head-to-head in the market, and it likely won’t be the last. But the presence of two major Premier League rivals vying for the same target almost guarantees that Bournemouth will drive a hard bargain. The south coast club are believed to be holding out for a fee that could even surpass United’s initial offer for Bryan Mbeumo.

Strategic Fit: Bryan Mbeumo vs Semenyo

Bryan Mbeumo

From a tactical perspective, both players offer something United are currently missing: a wide forward who can reliably stretch defenses and chip in with goals. Bryan Mbeumo, more experienced and polished, would likely slot into the starting XI immediately, perhaps forming a front three with Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho. His composure in the final third and work rate out of possession make him an ideal fit for Ten Hag’s system.

Semenyo, by contrast, might require more time to adapt, but brings with him a physical profile and versatility that United could mold long-term. If the club opts to go with youth and potential, rather than ready-made productivity, Semenyo becomes a very intriguing choice.

Financial Factors Could Prove Decisive

Given the financial realities of United’s summer budget—particularly after the £62.5 million purchase of Matheus Cunha from Wolves—executive leadership might favor the more cost-effective option. While Bournemouth’s valuation of Semenyo could still stretch to the £60 million range, it might offer better value than Brentford’s steeper price for Bryan Mbeumo.

Add-ons and performance-based bonuses could also structure a more manageable deal, allowing United to keep powder dry for other positions, such as center-back or central midfield, both of which remain priorities heading into preseason.

What’s Next?

As the transfer window heats up, United will have to make some tough calls—and quickly. The pressure is mounting not just to sign big names, but to sign the right ones. Bryan Mbeumo remains the ideal addition on paper, but time may not be on their side. If Brentford remain firm, and if Tottenham swoop in with a stronger offer, the Red Devils may need to pivot.

Semenyo is not just a contingency plan. He’s a legitimate talent who could flourish at a bigger club. Whether United will make the move, or lose him to a league rival, is the next storyline to watch this summer.