Why did Manchester United back out from Antoine Semenyo transfer race? City won the signing bid because...

Ghana international Antoine Semenyo's decision to join Manchester City, despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, was not influenced by the sum involved but by the project presented by Pep Guardiola, noted football journalist Ben Jacobs claimed.

The AFC Bournemouth star, Semenyo, said yes to Manchester City because he was convinced it was best suited for his evolution as a player. While the Premier League giants did face stiff competition for his signature, they did not break their salary structure to make him say yes, Ben Jacobs added.

Elaborating further on United's plans for Semenyo, the noted journalist said that Ruben Amorim never planned to use him as a wing-back. The plan had always been to use him as an attacker, and the player was told the same. His decision to opt for City was not influenced by Amorim's plans for him either, Jacobs said.

"I understand there were no plans to utilise Semenyo as a predominant wing-back, despite suggestions Ruben Amorim would build a new system around him. Manchester United viewed Semenyo as a winger/attacker first and foremost. Amorim's system was not a factor in Semenyo's decision-making process," he wrote on X.

The Red Devils' pitch was strong and did not lack financial weight, while staying true to their internal principles. When the bidding war became intense, United, however, were cautious not to get sucked into an unsustainable deal.

What Ben Jacobs said:

 

Manchester United made a strong pitch to Antoine Semenyo but remained disciplined in their approach.

 

Competitive offer made, but club aware there was heavy competition, including from Manchester City and a late Chelsea call.

 

Understand there were no plans to utilise Semenyo as a predominant wingback despite suggestions Ruben Amorim would build a new system around him. 

 

Manchester United viewed Semenyo as a winger/attacker first and foremost. Amorim's system was not a factor in Semenyo's decision-making process.

 

All clubs who made a salary offer did so in a similar financial ballpark, but #MUFC not prepared to break their wage structure to go higher than rivals.

 

Semenyo decision based on project appeal not money.

 

Liverpool, meanwhile, had decided against progressing with Semenyo after November talks. In the end, Alexander Isak's broken leg didn't prompt them to make a new formal approach in December.