BREAKING NEWS: Antoine Semenyo has finally spoken out about one of the most defining moments of his career and his words have already sparked huge debate across Manchester.
The Manchester City forward has revealed that his decision to reject a move to Manchester United was heavily influenced by a phone conversation with then-United boss Ruben Amorim, a choice he now admits he regrets.
Speaking openly in a recent interview, the 23-year-old acknowledged that Old Trafford could have been the ideal stage for him to fully express his talent.
Semenyo, who has grown into an important attacking option at City, described the moment as one that still lingers in his thoughts.
Despite enjoying success under Pep Guardiola, the forward confessed that his heart occasionally wonders how different his career path might have been had he chosen the red side of Manchester.
His rise in football has been rapid and impressive. From a promising youth setup to becoming a recognized Premier League attacker, Semenyo attracted attention from several elite clubs early on.
Manchester United were among the most serious contenders, and many observers believed the club’s style, history, and need for explosive attackers made it a natural destination for him.
With his pace, strength, technical quality, and eye for goal, Semenyo appeared tailor-made for the United shirt.
Ultimately, however, he chose Manchester City. At the time, the decision felt logical. City offered stability, a proven winning environment, and the opportunity to work under one of football’s greatest tactical minds.
Training daily alongside world-class players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland accelerated his development and exposed him to the highest standards in the game.
Still, Semenyo now admits that the advice he received during his conversation with Amorim played a significant role in steering him away from United. Looking back, he feels that the situation at Old Trafford might actually have suited him better.
“United could have been the perfect place for me to show who I really am,” he admitted, suggesting that the freedom and responsibility he craved may have come sooner there.
He also spoke about the emotional pull of Manchester United’s history. The idea of following in the footsteps of club legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney was deeply appealing.
To build a legacy at a club defined by iconic forwards was a dream he seriously considered — and one he now wonders if he let slip away too easily.
Despite these reflections, Semenyo was clear that he refuses to be trapped by regret. He recognizes that every decision, good or bad, has shaped his journey.
“You can’t live in the past,” he explained. “Every choice I made brought me to where I am today, and I’m thankful for that.”
Under Guardiola, Semenyo believes he has grown in ways he never imagined. City’s tactical discipline, positional demands, and relentless pursuit of excellence have refined his game.
He has become more complete, more intelligent in his movement, and more confident on the biggest stages.
As City continue to challenge for major honors, Semenyo is steadily carving out his place in the squad. His influence is growing, his confidence is rising, and his leadership qualities are beginning to show, even among more experienced teammates.
Fans and analysts alike are starting to view him as one of the Premier League’s most exciting emerging attackers.
Semenyo’s admission is a powerful reminder of how fragile and complex football careers can be. One phone call, one decision, one moment can change everything.
While he may look back with a sense of “what if” regarding Manchester United, his focus remains firmly on the future determined to write his own story and leave a lasting mark on English football, wherever that journey ultimately leads.
