
Former football star Paul Merson recently shared his insights regarding the future of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has been linked with several top-tier clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City. While interest from Anfield is high, Merson suggested that a move to Old Trafford might actually be the better fit for the player's development and style.
The core of Merson's argument lies in the tactical setup and the physical space available on the pitch. "When playing against Manchester United, more teams tend to attack, which creates usable space at Old Trafford," Merson noted. He contrasted this with the situation at Liverpool, where opponents often sit deep, making it difficult for strikers to find one-on-one opportunities with the goalkeeper. Merson questioned when Mohamed Salah last had a clear run on goal, emphasizing that Liverpool's dominance often forces them into tight, congested attacking scenarios.
Furthermore, Merson highlighted the psychological burden of a potential move to Merseyside. He warned that the expectations involved in replacing a legend like Salah would place immense pressure on Semenyo. While acknowledging that Liverpool currently boasts a stronger squad than United, Merson believes Semenyo’s high-energy running requires open space to be effective—something he is more likely to find at Manchester United, where he could potentially thrive with less immediate scrutiny than he would face as Salah's successor.