Manchester United are expected to be in the market for a new striker this summer.
There is no disputing that Manchester United have been poor in front of goal this season.
With just 33 goals in 27 league games this season, Ruben Amorim knows he will need to address the goalscoring situation at Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund has struggled in his second season at United and has failed to score in his previous 19 matches. The Denmark international has seven goals to his name across all competitions but that won’t cut the mustard at the Theatre of Dreams.
United added Joshua Zirkzee to their striker department in the summer, but fans quickly learned that the 23-year-old is not a prolific goalscorer. He has six goals to his name this term after scoring in United’s 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad on Thursday night.
Perhaps the biggest blow to United’s disappointing season came when Amad Diallo was ruled out for the remainder of the season. The Ivorian winger was United’s most threatening player in the final third before his devastating injury setback.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United eye move for Jean-Philippe Mateta
In-form Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly attracting Manchester United’s attention ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to The Sun, Mateta has emerged as a ‘major target’ for United as the Reds continue to struggle for goals.
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United’s struggles will likely make securing a striker a number one priority for Amorim, with the Reds currently 14th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cup competitions.
The report states that Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is at the top of United’s wish list having worked with Amorim in Lisbon.
Sweden international Gyokeres could push for a move to a Champions League club which would rule United out of the equation.
In turn, United have sent scouts to watch Mateta’s recent matches, meaning they were present as the 27-year-old goalscorer was pole-axed by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round tie. The horrendous incident saw the striker receive 25 stitches in a head wound.
A strong finish to the season could see more clubs enter the race for Mateta.
Mateta spells danger for Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund will be looking over his shoulder every time Manchester United get linked with a new striker.
The 23-year-old has struggled for form and is not providing the goals required to win football matches.
Although sympathy can be shown towards Hojlund, who is playing in a team that doesn’t create many chances for him, Amorim needs to address the situation sooner rather than later.
Mateta’s main attribute is his goalscoring after scoring 34 goals in 106 Premier League appearances. Palace signed the French forward from Mainz after turning his initial love move into a permanent £11million deal in January 2022.
Games Goals Assists
33 15 3
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s record this season
With 15 goals this season, Mateta is outscoring all of United’s forwards – not just Hojlund, but his arrival would surely push the Dane down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Hojlund is getting plenty of chances to lead the line at United but his confidence appears shot at the moment.