Viktor Gyokeres has been the name on the lips of Manchester United supporters over recent months, with the Sporting CP striker widely linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim previously worked with the forward during his time in Portugal, with such a scenario likely to have fuelled the rumours over a potential switch.
Talks have previously been held between the 27-year-old’s representatives and the United hierarchy, but no deal has yet to progress, with Arsenal also in the race for his signature.
gyokeres-sporting
Such a move is likely to create excitement within the fanbase, given his record of 54 goals scored in just 52 games across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
However, with negotiations seemingly not heading any closer to completion, other targets will likely be considered ahead of next season, with numerous names emerging over recent weeks.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
United’s need for a new striker has become evident over the course of this season, with Amorim’s side only finding the net on 44 occasions in the league - an average of 1.15 goals per game.
Such a record is unacceptable, subsequently leading to links with the likes of Gyokeres and, in the last 24 hours, Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who is also on the radar of Liverpool and Chelsea.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike-1
However, it appears that Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has once again appeared as an option, according to Football Insider’s latest update.
It’s been claimed that the Red Devils have been in talks with Oliver Glasner’s side over a move for the Frenchman, who managed to find the back of the net on 17 occasions across all competitions.
The report also states that the hierarchy have been keeping a close eye on the 27-year-old’s progress at Selhurst Park, with a £40m price tag previously being mooted.
Why United’s £40m target would be better than Cunha
Over the last couple of days, United confirmed the signing of Brazilian international Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, forking out a fee in the region of £62.5m for his services.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha-2
The 26-year-old has made a huge impact in the Premier League in recent times, managing to register 15 goals and six assists in his 33 appearances in 2024/25 - undoubtedly the shining light of the West Midlands outfit.
Such a tally will massively bolster the options at Amorim’s disposal next season, hopefully looking to catapult the club back to the fringes of the Champions League places.
However, it remains unclear if he will feature as a striker or in one of the number 10 positions, opening the door to another attacking addition like Mateta or Gyokeres.
If the Frenchman is to move to the club this summer, it’s imperative that the manager drops the Brazilian into a deeper role and utilises Mateta at the top end of the pitch.
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates after the match
When comparing their respective figures, the current target has dominated the new United signing in the final third - showcasing why he’s better suited to the centre-forward position.
Mateta, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, may have registered fewer goals, but has a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate - demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.
How Mateta compares to Cunha in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals scored
Shot-on-target accuracy
Goals per shot on target
Take-on success
Aerials won
Aerial success rate
Stats via FBref
He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, having the ability to beat the opposition with the ball at his feet before firing at goal, something which he’s done countless times this season.
The Palace star has also been dominant in the air, winning over four times more aerials per 90, whilst also posting a higher success rate in such a department - handing the side the focal point they’ve craved.
Such a fee appears to be somewhat of a bargain, with his experience in the Premier League key to the club’s ambitions of returning to their former glory in the coming months.
The prospect of the striker starring alongside Cunha at Old Trafford is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the pair able to work together to overturn what’s been a dismal period for the Red Devils.
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[Van Persie 2.0: Man Utd set to be offered "incredible" Gyokeres alternative](https://www.footballfancast.com/hed-be-van-persie-man-utd-targeting-gyokeres-alternative-vlahovic/ "Van Persie 2.0: Man Utd set to be offered "incredible" Gyokeres alternative")
Manchester United could be about to make a move for a player who could follow in Robin van Persie's footsteps.