Jean-Philippe Mateta
Manchester United look they have decided to pursue an experienced Premier League striker to address Michael Carrick’s attacking concerns, with Jean-Philippe Mateta emerging as a serious January target according to multiple sources.
Reports from the likes of TEAMtalk are suggesting, representatives of the Crystal Palace forward have held discussions with United’s hierarchy over a possible winter transfer. Sporting director Jason Wilcox reportedly admires the 29-year-old, who could provide competition for Benjamin Sesko at Old Trafford. The demand for Mateta’s services could be very high by the time January rolls around.
United expect to increase conversations over a possible deal in the coming weeks although Mateta does have a somewhat similar profile to Sesko he is a proven entity in the Premier League and would surely provide some badly needed competition and importantly goals for Michael Carrick’s side.
Palace could consider selling, particularly with Mateta reportedly open to leaving Selhurst Park after previously seeking an exit in the summer with suggestions from his camp of issues with his contract.
Jean-Philippe Mateta to United with Joshua Zirkzee going the other way
On top of the speculation around Mateta, reports have emerged of Palace being interested in signing United forward and Dutch international Joshua Zirkzee after a late move to Serie A fell through for the forward at the end of the summer transfer window.
This is widely reported to be the reason United did not move for Mateta in the summer with the budget not being there unless Zirkzee left Old Trafford and why they might move now if the necessary financial maneuvering is possible.
The Dutchman had success in Serie A but a move to Napoli amongst others never materialised at the end of the window hence United’s hands were tied and the player has seen limited minutes so far.
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Crystal Palace will prepare for a move for Joshua Zirkzee (25) in January.
Manchester United are asking for £25m.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/vlYmX0poch
— Manutd Addicts (@Manutd_addicts) October 3, 2026
Back to the Frenchman, Mateta’s previous departure attempt offers an interesting detail. The Frenchman wanted to leave Palace last January, but his proposed move to AC Milan collapsed after he failed his medical.
His current situation adds another consideration for United. Mateta is recovering from a hamstring injury and expects to return after the October international break. Consequently, his fitness record and medical assessment will deserve close attention before United commit significant money.
However, his footballing qualities offer additional goalscoring ability to United’s existing options. Standing at 1.92 metres, Mateta brings considerable physical presence, aerial strength and the ability to hold up possession against opposing centre-backs.
Something other players capable of playing down the middle like Zirkzee, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford cannot provide.
Carrick’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation could benefit from those qualities. When opponents defend deep, United sometimes need a striker who can occupy defenders, contest crosses and create opportunities inside crowded penalty areas and is a definite goal threat.
Sesko has considerable potential, but recurring fitness concerns could leave Carrick short of reliable centre-forward options. Joshua Zirkzee provides a different profile, with his ability to link attacks and connect midfield with the forwards and as mentioned he has been linked with a move to Selhust Park.
Mateta could therefore offer tactical variety rather than simply another attacking body. His physical approach could give United an alternative when their passing combinations fail to break down stubborn defensive units.
Should Manchester United pursue Mateta in January amid rivals interest?
There is a sensible argument for this move, particularly if Palace accept a reasonable transfer fee. United need competition for Sesko, and an established Premier League striker could reduce the pressure on the Slovenian.
However, Mateta turns 30 in June 2027, so United must consider his age, injury history and potential wages before making an offer. His previous failed medical makes that assessment particularly relevant.
Manchester United transfer news has brought Brian Brobbey into focus after Sunderland’s striker produced a remarkable performance against Manchester City. That provides another attacking reference point for United’s recruitment discussions.
Other clubs like Spurs, Chelsea, Aston Villa and even Arsenal may be looking at Mateta to add a much needed goalscoring threat who could easily provide 10 of more goals to the club given his record with Palace. Strikers are incredibly hard to find in January so a bidding war could break out.
My view is that Mateta deserves serious consideration, provided United negotiate sensible terms. Carrick needs a striker who can offer immediate physical presence and reliable competition, rather than another expensive project.
A January move could address that specific requirement, but United must avoid paying an inflated fee for a player whose medical situation needs careful examination. His arrival would give Carrick another genuine goal threat from an experienced Premier League centre-forward.
Clearly United are operating on a carefully put together financial approach to avoid the typical “United Tax” as the club tries to move away from the model of overpaying for players as they did for Antony, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund to name but a few all signed by former manager Eric ten-Hag.
Much of this decision will come down to the whether the numbers make sense as you can see there being a bidding war IF Mateta gets back on the pitch and proves his fitness for Palace.