Who is Antoine Semenyo? All you need to know about this Man United target

An exclusive report from TEAMtalk claims that Manchester United are tracking talented Bristol City starlet Antoine Semenyo, who is currently away on loan at League Two outfit Newport County.

The report claims that a scout from Manchester United watched the 18-year-old Semenyo in action last month and was impressed with what he saw. As a result, the club are planning on keeping tabs on his development in the coming months. (h/t TEAMtalk)

Let’s take a closer look at Semenyo and his attributes.

Background

Born on 7th January 2000, in London, England, Semenyo moved to Bristol to attend SGS College, where he was spotted by the Bristol City at the age of 17. Following a short trial period with the Robins, the striker signed his first professional contract with the club.

Linking up with the Bristol City U18s, Semenyo grabbed a brace in his first appearance as the Robins thrashed Hull City 7-2. His impressive displays for the U18s soon saw him break into the Robins’ U23 side. The teenage striker impressed against Cardiff City as he led the team to a comeback from being 2-0 down to secure a draw.

Semenyo pulled off another similar feat, scoring a long-range screamer, as he helped Bristol City U23s bounce back from two goals down to draw a game against Birmingham City.

In January earlier this year, the 18-year-old was shipped off on loan to National League South side Bath City, where he continued to enhance his reputation. In nine appearances for the club, the teenage forward found the back of the net on six occasions, which included a hat-trick against Welton Rovers.

Semenyo joined League Two side Newport County temporarily in the summer. Having moved to the South Welsh outfit, the 18-year-old has settled in well at his new club. So far in the ongoing term, the 18-year-old has netted two goals in 12 appearances (6 starts) across all competitions.

Style of Play

Primarily a centre-forward, Semenyo has been utilized out on the left flank as well in his short career and the teenager has managed to impress in both positions.

The 18-year-old’s biggest asset is his pace, which makes him such a huge threat in counter-attacking situations, while his ball control while running at full tilt is impressive as well. A composed finisher, the Englishman possesses impressive physical traits and seems to be adept at holding up the ball. He is strong in aerial encounters as well.

Given his young age, there is still plenty of work to be done but the initial signs are promising and it is quite clear as to why he is so highly-rated by Bristol City.

What does the future hold?

Semenyo clearly is a talented young footballer, who has shown indications of possessing the abilities to develop into an all-around striker. However, to continue his development at a rapid rate, he needs to be playing in and out regularly. And he certainly wouldn’t be able to do that regularly at United or any other top club.

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Whereas, at Newport, the 18-year-old is starting games regularly and is getting plenty of exposure in the first-team which is what his career needs at the moment. His contract with Bristol City will expire at the end of the season, and should his progress continue at this rate, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see more clubs like Manchester United lining up for his services.