BREAKING NEWS: “I was close to joining Manchester United, but what Ruben Amorim told me changed my mind” — Antoine Semenyo reveals decisive phone call before choosing Man City
Antoine Semenyo has revealed that he was on the verge of completing a move to Manchester United before a decisive phone call with Ruben Amorim altered the course of his future and convinced him that Manchester City was the right destination.
Speaking for the first time since his decision, the powerful forward admitted that talks with United were advanced and that Old Trafford was a genuine option on the table. However, a candid conversation with Amorim — a manager widely admired for his tactical clarity and man-management — forced Semenyo to reflect deeply on his next step.
“I was close to joining Manchester United,” Semenyo said. “Everything was moving fast, and it felt like the deal could happen at any moment. But when Ruben Amorim called me, the things he said really stayed with me. That conversation changed my thinking completely.”
According to Semenyo, Amorim did not attempt to block the move or push him toward a specific club. Instead, the Portuguese coach focused on the bigger picture — development, consistency, and choosing an environment that best suits a player’s strengths.
“He told me I shouldn’t just think about the size of the club or the excitement of the transfer,” Semenyo explained. “He said I should think about where my football would grow, where my strengths would be used properly, and where the system would help me become a complete attacker.”
Those words proved pivotal. While Manchester United offered prestige, history, and the chance to be a key figure in a rebuilding project, Semenyo began to question whether the timing and structure were right for his game.
“Ruben said something like, ‘At this stage of your career, clarity is everything,’” Semenyo revealed. “He talked about patterns of play, how attackers are coached, and how important it is to join a team with a clear identity.”
That clarity, in Semenyo’s view, pointed him toward Manchester City.
City’s well-defined system, intense tactical coaching, and proven track record of improving attacking players ultimately tipped the balance. After reflecting on Amorim’s advice, Semenyo held further discussions with City officials and became convinced that the Etihad was the ideal place to take the next step.
“When I looked at Manchester City, everything Ruben talked about was already there,” Semenyo said. “The way they play, the movement, the discipline, and how attackers understand their roles — it made sense to me.”
For Manchester United, the revelation will sting. United had identified Semenyo as a key attacking target, impressed by his physicality, work rate, and ability to operate across the front line. Missing out on him, especially to their city rivals, is another reminder of how competitive the transfer market has become.
However, Semenyo was quick to stress that his decision was not a rejection of United as a club.
“Manchester United is a massive club with incredible fans,” he added. “It wasn’t about disrespect or doubts about their future. It was about making the smartest decision for my career right now.”
The mention of Ruben Amorim’s influence has also sparked intrigue. Despite not managing either Premier League club, Amorim’s reputation continues to grow across Europe, with players clearly valuing his insight and honesty.
As Semenyo prepares for life at Manchester City, his comments underline how modern transfers are often decided not just by money or status, but by vision, structure, and the right advice at the right moment. For United, it is a missed opportunity. For City, it could be another calculated addition shaped by perfect timing — and one phone call that changed everything.
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