Manchester United’s rebuilding strategy under the current technical leadership has taken a new turn, with ESPN reporting that the club is prepared to offer Antoine Semenyo a prominent role in next season’s squad structure. The 24-year-old Ghanaian forward has become one of Bournemouth’s standout performers, and United see him as a versatile attacking upgrade capable of playing across the front line, particularly on the right where the team has struggled for consistency.

What makes the story even more striking is the internal discussion around squad numbers. According to the report, United are considering handing Semenyo the jersey number currently worn by André Onana. While squad numbers alone rarely determine transfers, offering a symbolic number to an incoming player often signals clear expectations about his role and status within the team. It also raises questions about the goalkeeper’s future, particularly as the club continues to evaluate its options in the post–David de Gea era.

Semenyo has enjoyed his strongest Premier League stretch to date, combining power, ball-carrying ability, pressing intensity, and an improved end product in the final third. His athletic profile aligns with United’s push for more direct, aggressive forwards who fit a fast-transition style. Scouts around the league have noted his surge in chance creation and his growing reputation as one of the division’s most relentless wide attackers.

United’s interest comes at a time when the squad’s offensive output has been inconsistent. Injuries, tactical restructuring, and dips in form have forced the club to broaden its search for attackers capable of offering both goals and defensive work rate. Semenyo, who excels in pressing and recovering possession high up the pitch, fits that mold perfectly.

The possible reassignment of Onana’s number adds another layer to ongoing internal changes. After a turbulent first season marked by high-profile errors and a difficult adaptation to United’s system, Onana has faced heavy scrutiny. Although he has shown improvement, discussions about long-term stability at the goalkeeper position have not disappeared. Reallocating his number would not necessarily mean he is being pushed out, but it underscores how fluid United’s planning has become.

Financially, the deal for Semenyo would not be straightforward. Bournemouth value him highly and are under no pressure to sell, especially after he emerged as one of their most influential performers. Manchester United, still balancing transfer ambitions with financial regulations, would likely need to offload fringe players or structure the deal creatively to make the signing possible.

Still, United’s willingness to elevate Semenyo with a key squad role signals genuine belief in his upside. His ability to cut inside, link play, and inject pace into the attack would give the team a dimension it has lacked. If the transfer progresses, it could be one of the more intriguing Premier League moves of the upcoming window, particularly given the unusual squad-number angle.