This summer is expected to see Manchester United overhaul the forward line for Ruben Amorim.
It has taken priority ahead of the upcoming transfer window to bring goals into this toothless Manchester United team.
Under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, this was the case, with Rasmus Hojlund managing just 10 goals in 51 games this season, a tally which is far from good enough for a first-choice striker at Old Trafford.
Due to these struggles, changes are needed, and now Hojlund has accepted that his time at United is up after another disappointing performance in the Europa League final.
The summer also promises to see a new number nine arrive, with Liam Delap currently looking the most likely addition, but options like Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are also desired within Carrington.
Now, an additional option has been linked with being Ineos‘ choice to overhaul the forward line.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Manchester United remain keen to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta
While Delap looks very likely for United right now, if he opts to join Chelsea instead, it could leave Ineos stuck for options, which means other possible additions are needed.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is one of these potential options for United, as his impressive form for Crystal Palace has caught Ineos’ eye. United in Focus reported last month that United sees Mateta as a potential 20-goal-a-season striker.
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Now, French outlet L’Equipe has reported that United are firmly in the market for Mateta ahead of the summer window.
Mateta’s contract expires in 2026, and with the 27-year-old still yet to sign a new deal, having been in talks since last summer, he will be questioning his future over the next few weeks.
United are well-positioned to take advantage if he is to be sold. Mateta will be looking to make the correct choice with his next club to impress Didier Deschamps ahead of the World Cup next summer.
Graeme Bailey has added to this, telling United in Focus that United like Mateta, but he won’t be easy to get as Palace work on a new deal.
Palace have Europa League football next season, which United don’t, which could also make it tricky to lure him away with such uncertainty around Amorim.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has as many goals as Rasmus Hojlund in the Premier League at Old Trafford
Mateta would be a brilliant addition for United, and a major upgrade on Hojlund leading the line of Amorim’s team.
This is the case in almost every aspect of performance as Mateta’s role in Palace’s FA Cup-winning goal showcased his link-up play, which could transform United’s attack.
More simply, the upgrade can be seen as Hojlund’s two Premier League goals at Old Trafford this season are matched by Mateta.
Player Games Minutes Goals
Hojlund 15 857 2
Mateta 1 90 2
This is a damning indication of Hojlund’s struggles leading the line for United, and shows that Mateta with 17 goals this season would be a big upgrade on the Dane.
Mateta would be an excellent player to sign alongside Delap to take the pressure from the Englishman and give Amorim twice the options he currently has.