“I Turned Down Manchester United”: Antoine Semenyo Reveals Why He Rejected Old Trafford Move Over Salary Dispute
In football, the lure of Manchester United has always been considered irresistible. Generations of players have dreamed of wearing the famous red shirt, walking out at Old Trafford, and joining the pantheon of legends who have defined the club’s history. But in a striking admission that has stunned both fans and pundits, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has revealed that he rejected the chance to join United after being unimpressed with the salary package the club put on the table.
According to Semenyo, the proposed terms fell “well below” what fellow Premier League players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo earn at their respective clubs. For a player who has enjoyed a sharp rise in form and recognition in recent years, the perceived undervaluation was enough to turn his head away from one of the biggest brands in world football.
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The United Offer That Fell Short
Manchester United’s recent transfer strategy has revolved around recruiting younger, athletic players to reshape their squad under new leadership. After scouting Semenyo extensively, United reportedly made initial contact with Bournemouth to discuss a potential deal. The Ghanaian international’s energy, versatility, and ability to operate across the forward line had caught the attention of Old Trafford’s hierarchy.
However, what seemed like a promising move quickly broke down at the negotiation table. United’s wage offer, while competitive compared to Semenyo’s current salary at Bournemouth, was described by the player as “far below market value” when measured against what mid-table stars like Cunha (Wolves) and Mbeumo (Brentford) reportedly pocket each week.
“I was excited when United called,” Semenyo admitted in an interview. “But when I saw the numbers, I had to be realistic. Football is short, and respect is shown not just in words but in what you put on paper. I couldn’t accept being paid far less than players like Cunha or Mbeumo, who are in similar roles. That told me everything I needed to know.”
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Understanding the Comparison: Cunha and Mbeumo
Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward at Wolves, is believed to be on a wage package of around £100,000 per week, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo reportedly earns a similar figure after signing his latest contract extension. Both players have become central figures at their respective clubs, shouldering creative and goal-scoring responsibilities.
Semenyo, though not yet as globally recognised, has carved out a growing reputation as one of Bournemouth’s most dangerous attackers. His pace, direct running, and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas have made him a key weapon for Andoni Iraola’s side.
By rejecting United’s offer, Semenyo has drawn attention to an increasingly important issue for modern players: parity. Footballers no longer evaluate transfers solely on prestige or history; they demand that their market value is recognised in line with peers across the league.
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United’s Side of the Story
From Manchester United’s perspective, sources suggest the club saw Semenyo as a “rotation option” rather than a guaranteed starter. The wage package, therefore, reflected their cautious approach—especially given the need to balance their wage bill amid strict Premier League financial regulations.
United insiders argue that offering Cunha- or Mbeumo-level salaries to squad players would destabilise the wage structure. For a club already burdened by some high earners on the fringes of the squad, restraint in negotiations has become a necessity rather than an option.
But to Semenyo, such explanations rang hollow. “If you want me, then show me,” he reportedly told his representatives during talks. “I can’t accept being undervalued just because of where I am now. I know my worth, and Bournemouth value me more than that offer did.”
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The Importance of Respect in Football Economics
Semenyo’s rejection of United is not just about numbers—it speaks to a broader shift in how players see themselves within football’s economic hierarchy. Respect, in the modern game, is often equated with salary. For players like Semenyo, who have had to battle from the lower leagues and prove themselves at every stage, undervaluation hits harder.
It also highlights the growing power of mid-table clubs in the Premier League. Bournemouth, Brentford, and Wolves may not boast the global reach of United, but they are financially stable enough to reward their players competitively. This makes it harder for United to entice emerging stars without offering genuinely attractive packages.
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Burnley, Bournemouth, Brentford: Changing the Market Dynamics
The Premier League’s so-called “smaller clubs” have changed the landscape of English football in the past decade. With television revenues shared more equally, they no longer operate as feeder clubs who must sell talent cheaply. Instead, they negotiate from positions of strength, offering wages and stability that rival what even top-six sides put forward to rotational players.
Semenyo’s stance reflects this reality. Why leave Bournemouth, where he is appreciated and central to the project, for United, where he risks being a bench option on lower wages than peers at comparable clubs? The decision, once unthinkable, now feels entirely rational.
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Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions
Unsurprisingly, Semenyo’s revelation has provoked mixed reactions among fans. United supporters are divided—some lament the club’s inability to compete financially for emerging talents, while others argue that Semenyo is not of the calibre required to demand top-tier wages.
Burnley and Brentford fans, meanwhile, have backed Semenyo’s comparison, noting that Cunha and Mbeumo are not far ahead of him in terms of output, yet enjoy better recognition through their salaries. Bournemouth fans have been the most vocal in support, praising their forward for showing loyalty to the club rather than chasing the badge at Old Trafford.
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The Message to United: Prestige Is No Longer Enough
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from this saga is that Manchester United’s global prestige is no longer sufficient to lure players without fair financial backing. While a decade ago, the chance to join United might have been irresistible regardless of pay, the modern game is ruthlessly pragmatic. Players want respect, stability, and assurances of their place in the squad.
By turning United down, Semenyo has sent a clear message to Old Trafford: history counts for little if the numbers don’t add up.
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What’s Next for Semenyo?
For Antoine Semenyo, this episode may even elevate his profile further. Demonstrating both self-confidence and a willingness to stand by his principles, he has positioned himself as a player who values respect over brand name. Bournemouth will be delighted to keep hold of their forward, whose goals and tireless work rate will be crucial to their ambitions this season.
There are also whispers that other clubs, both in England and abroad, have taken note of Semenyo’s stance. Teams in Germany, Italy, and even the Middle East are said to be monitoring his situation. If United’s offer was not enough, someone else may soon come forward with a package that better reflects his rising stature.
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Conclusion: A Modern Football Story
Semenyo’s rejection of Manchester United might appear shocking at first glance, but it perfectly encapsulates the modern dynamics of football. Salaries, status, and respect are intertwined in ways that were unthinkable two decades ago. For a young player in his prime, being undervalued—even by one of the most famous clubs in the world—can be a deal-breaker.
The comparisons to Cunha and Mbeumo are not accidental—they are deliberate benchmarks of what a Premier League forward can and should earn. By holding himself to that standard, Semenyo has shown ambition, self-awareness, and the courage to say no to Old Trafford.
Manchester United may yet revisit their interest, perhaps with revised terms, but for now, the story stands as one of the rare occasions when a player has looked beyond the bright lights of Old Trafford and decided that dignity and value matter more than prestige.
And in doing so, Antoine Semenyo has added his name to football’s growing list of players who will not be dazzled by history unless respect accompanies it.
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