Semenyo open to Haaland back-up role at City despite not being told about the plan

Antoine Semenyo has said he is happy to serve as Manchester City’s back-up centre-forward this season, despite suggesting the club have yet to formally inform him of the role. The Ghanaian winger underlined his attacking credentials by scoring twice in City’s 5-3 Premier League victory over Sunderland on Sunday.

“I’ve heard about this back-up striker thing,” Semenyo said. “I don’t know where it’s come from, but if I need to, then I’ll do it. I’ve no problem in doing that.”

With Omar Marmoush having joined Tottenham, City are reportedly looking at Semenyo as the primary option to fill in for Erling Haaland when the Norwegian is rested or unavailable. The 25-year-old, who arrived from Bournemouth, has predominantly featured on the left and right wings but his brace against Sunderland demonstrated the finishing quality that makes the plan credible.

In Thursday’s 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich, with both Semenyo and Haaland rested, teenager Floyd Samba led the line as centre-forward — offering a glimpse of the depth City are building behind their main striker.

Semenyo was also enthusiastic about life under new manager Enzo Maresca, whose system he believes suits wide players. “I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “For wide players, we’re high and wide, and we get a lot of one-v-one situations. He backs us to win our duels — even if you lose them, just keep going. But collectively, it’s quite similar to last year and we just need to keep improving.”

City have made a perfect start to the Premier League season and have won their last seven matches across all competitions. Semenyo was measured in his assessment of the mood inside the squad. “Everyone feels good. It’s where we want to be. We’re not going to get too complacent, too relaxed. We know there are a lot more games to go and we just want to continue winning.”