For many years, Manchester United have constantly had to sit back and watch local rivals Manchester City claim Premier League glory whilst they languish lower down the table.
The Red Devils haven’t finished above their noisy neighbours since their last league title triumph back in 2012/13, with no manager able to emulate the feats achieved by Sir Alex Ferguson.
During such a period, United have managed to claim numerous victories over the Citizens, with Michael Carrick managing to do so during his first game in temporary charge.
However, added reinforcements are desperately needed within the senior ranks at Old Trafford this summer if they are to mount a charge for top spot in 2026/27.
As a result, various names have been touted with possible transfers to join the Red Devils, with one area of the pitch emerging as a key area of improvement.
Man Utd to make offer to land Premier League sensation
Over the last couple of weeks, United have been targeting reinforcements within the central midfield department, with Elliot Anderson emerging as the club’s leading target.
The Nottingham Forest star has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the City Ground this term, subsequently being linked with a whole host of top European clubs.
However, the Red Devils still see the 23-year-old as their main central midfield target, even with Vitor Pereira’s side demanding a fee in the region of £100m for his signature.
Despite the interest in a new midfielder this summer, the backline could also be bolstered during the off-season, with Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi one option being considered.
According to TEAMtalk, Man Utd are ready to offer the Argentine a contract at Old Trafford, with his current deal at the Vitality set to expire at the end of June.
The report also states that Chelsea and Liverpool are just two other English sides keen on the 28-year-old, with Barcelona also keen on a potential free transfer.
The Red Devils are said to be willing to step up their efforts to secure the centre-back’s signature, as the player’s preference could be to remain in the Premier League.
Why Senesi would be United’s very own Semenyo
As previously mentioned, United fans have often had to sit and watch City succeed, but they’ve also beaten them to the signature of countless players – including winger Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghanaian international was of huge interest from the Red Devils, but ultimately, he moved to the Etihad and has since made a major impact within Pep Guardiola’s side.
The 26-year-old has registered eight goals and three assists in his 19 appearances for the Citizens, subsequently showing United what they missed out on.
Given the levels achieved across the city, many fans will still wish the winger had completed a move to Old Trafford, but unfortunately, he will remain yet another case of what could have been.
However, the United hierarchy have the chance to land their own version of the attacker, with a move for Senesi allowing the Red Devils to complete a similar transfer.
Whilst the pair operate in different positions, a deal for the Argentine would see the club landing a talent from Bournemouth who’s ready for the next step in his career.
Throughout the 2025/26 season, the 28-year-old has constantly managed to impress, with his underlying stats highlighting his quality within defensive areas.
|
Marcos Senesi – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
31 |
|
Goals & assists |
4 |
|
Defensive contributions |
11.9 |
|
Clearances made |
7.2 |
|
Interceptions made |
1.6 |
|
Ball recoveries |
4.9 |
|
Tackles made |
1.8 |
|
Chances created |
0.7 |
Senesi has featured in all but one league game so far this term, subsequently registering 11.9 defensive contributions per 90 in the Premier League to date.
The aforementioned figure ranks him in the top 5% of all defenders in the division, which would undoubtedly provide the Red Devils with the quality they need within the backline.
He’s also made 7.2 clearances per 90 whilst also making 1.6 interceptions per 90, with both of the stats also ranking him in the top 7% of defenders in England’s top division.
Other tallies, such as 4.9 ball recoveries and 1.8 tackles made per 90, also highlight his quality in the defensive third – with the Argentine more than capable of thriving at Old Trafford.
In possession, Senesi has also impressed, subsequently registering 0.7 chances created per 90 this campaign – a tally which places him in the top 2% of players in his position this term.
Given his availability on a free transfer this summer, a deal for the Bournemouth star must be a no-brainer, with the defender capable of becoming a fan-favourite in Manchester.
With interest from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool, the United hierarchy will have to work quickly to avoid missing out on a deal to one of their bitter rivals.
However, should he make the move to Old Trafford and make a similar impact to Semenyo at City, it would be a transfer that could certainly help the Red Devils fight for a league title next season.
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