Liverpool have left Manchester United in their dust this season as the Reds close in on eqaulling their great rivals’ haul of 20 English league titles.
While the Reds prepare to hoover up number 20, United sit way down in 15th place.
Both clubs have seen new managers come in this season, but things could hardly have been more different for Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim.
Nevertheless, given the size and pull of the club, United will always be a worthy opponent for Liverpool in the transfer market.
The Old Trafford giants may not be able to offer Champions League football next season – or even any form of European competition – but the wages and status on offer mean they can still attract top players.
And as the two most successful clubs in English football look to do battle over Antoine Semenyo this summer, it looks like United have stolen an early march.
Man United named as Antoine Semenyo front-runners
Semenyo has had an eye-catching season for Bournemouth, leading to suggestions that he’s ready to play at a higher level.
Liverpool have been linked with Semenyo to that effect as they look to tweak their forward line this summer.
However, according to Sky Sports, while Liverpool are indeed well in the mix for the 25-year-old, it is United who lead the early runnings.
They claim the Europa League semi-finalists are currently seen as ‘front-runners’ to sign Semenyo, but are likely to face competition to pluck him from the Cherries.
READ MORE: £26m title-winning captain emerging as one of Liverpool’s top midfield targets this summer
Liverpool are named as one of those willing to battle United, with ‘a number’ of other Premier League clubs also said to be showing interest.
Bournemouth will reportedly fight to keep Semenyo at Dean Court, and as a result are claimed to have stuck a £70m price-tag on him. Despite that, there is a suggestion that a lower fixed fee could be achievable, with Tottenham’s £65m signing of Dominic Solanke used as an example.
Liverpool should leave Semenyo race
It is no surprise to see Semenyo courting interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest sides. Michael Owen called Semenyo a ‘top talent‘ only last weekend and he has eight goals and four assists this season.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | 33 | 8 | 2 |
| 2024/25 | 31 | 8 | 4 |
Having said that, those are not the kind of numbers that should get Liverpool fans excited. Especially not for £70m.
Semenyo plays largely on the left side of Bournemouth’s attack, and investing such a large sum into a left-sided forward should not be Liverpool’s priority this summer.
It’s also worth saying that United’s transfer business has been poor of late. If the Reds Devils are willing to splash such a figure on Semenyo, it should serve as a warning sign to Liverpool.
All in all, we’re more than happy to let Amorim and co take a run at the Ghana international. Liverpool have more pressing issues to sort out.