Manchester United will be looking to add a striker to Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer.
Amorim currently has Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirzkee at his disposal at Man United, a pair who have both struggled for different reasons.
Hojlund is still young and willing to learn, but he’s far from the finished article that is needed at Old Trafford to propel the club back towards European qualification.
And in terms of Zirzkee, it’s becoming more and more clear that he’s not a natural number nine — the Dutchman is much more effective playing as a centre-forward.
Of course, United are hoping to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, an exceptional talent.
However, Amorim might also envision playing the Brazilian in one of the roles behind the striker in his 3-4-3.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is ‘keen’ to join Man United
That being said, United are interested in signing a striker in addition to Cunha this summer.
And whilst United are interested in Liam Delap at Ipswich Town, they’re also taking a very close look at Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta has been in talks with United recently and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s side might have received some encouragement owing to the Frenchman stalling on a new contract at Crystal Palace.
Now, Give Me Sport are reporting that Mateta would be keen to join United this summer if he doesn’t agree a new deal at Selhurst Park.
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According to the report, United don’t know where they stand in terms of signing Delap from Ipswich, meaning Mateta is becoming a realistic alternative.
Palace want to negotiate a new contract with Mateta owing to the fact that his current deal expires in 2026.
But if a new deal isn’t agreed, Mateta is said to be ‘keen’ to join United’s project under Amorim, a side who are currently behind Palace in the Premier League table.
Is Mateta the right striker for United?
Palace are thought to be demanding around £40m for Mateta were they to sell the Frenchman this summer.
Mateta has scored 14 goals in 33 games for Palace in the Premier League, double the seven that Hojlund and Zirkzee have managed combined.
And whilst United will want ‘win-now’ players to add to their project, it would appear a sizable investment for a 27-year-old who is perhaps already enjoying his peak form.
Mateta is obviously doing a remarkable job at Palace, but recruiting the striker wouldn’t appear to be in line with United’s new recruitment strategy, which is aimed at signing younger players.
Although, after Alan Shearer called Mateta a ‘nightmare’ to play against, perhaps it is worth making an exception on this occasion.
