Ex-Manchester United star Lee Sharpe has backed his former team to make a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer.
The Frenchman has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but some fans have questioned whether he possesses the quality needed to play for the Red Devils. Speaking exclusively to Man U News (courtesy of BetBrain), Sharpe said supporters have to acknowledge that players like Mateta will be required as part of the club’s rebuild:
“I think the thing with United is, at the moment, they’ve just got to sort of accept the position they’re in. They’re not in the top four, in the Champions League, challenging for silverware or the Premier League title. They are trying to give themselves a couple of seasons to rebuild and get into that top four again.
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“So I think Mateta, who scores goals, big, strong, works his socks off, closes down defenders, gives defenders a torrid time. I think he would be a good signing, and for the next two or three years, probably the sort of player that United is looking for.
“I wouldn’t say at the moment that he’s going to help you win the Champions League or help you win the Premier League, but I certainly think he’s going to improve you from 13th and 14th and score you enough goals to get you in the top half and challenging for the top six. So I think it wouldn’t be a bad shout at all.”
Mateta has been excellent this season
There can be no disputing the fact that the 27-year-old has been in very good form. He has found the back of the net 15 times in all competitions, including 12 in the Premier League.
It’s no flash in the pan either, with Mateta having scored 19 goals for the Eagles last campaign too. He seems to be in his prime as a No.9.
United are expected to sign a new striker
Mateta is by no means the only forward that Ruben Amorim’s team are looking at. Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano reported last month that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres are also on the club’s radar. Benjamin Sesko has been linked with a switch to Manchester in the German press as well.
Of course, decisions on transfer targets will be determined by the budget. Those three players mentioned will cost between £55m and £67m and, if Mateta is available for a much lower fee, United may end up pursuing the Palace striker instead.
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