With Rasmus Hojlund continuing to struggle, Manchester United are now reportedly positioning themselves to sign an impressive 17-goal striker who would be an instant upgrade.
Hojlund up for sale this summer
Almost two years on from his £72m move from Atalanta, Hojlund is yet to burst into life in a Manchester United shirt. Even after paying such a price, the Red Devils would have been aware that any young striker would need time. By this stage, however, those around Old Trafford had hoped to see more from the Dane, who has struggled more than ever under Ruben Amorim.
Rasmus Hojlund at Man Utd Record (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances 94
Goals 26
Assists 4
26 goals in 94 appearances is a poor record for any striker, but for a £72m striker it's undeniably disastrous. Now, according to recent reports, Amorim is ready to sanction Hojlund's sale and find an instant replacement this summer.
This comes just days after the Europa League final, in which the 22-year-old was once again kept quiet as Tottenham Hotspur battled to a 1-0 victory. What will far from help his cause is how much more structured Manchester United looked following the introduction of Joshua Zirkzee.
Hojlund-Man-United
Whilst Hojlund failed in his hold-up play approach, Zirkzee dropped deeper and instantly handed the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes a connection between midfield and attack. As much as the Dutchman has also struggled in Manchester this season, he has shown glimpses of the traits that Manchester United signed him for last summer.
In desperate need of an upgrade to end their goalscoring woes, the pending arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers may not be the last time that Manchester United go in search of attacking talent this summer. As per recent reports, the Red Devils are also lining up another Premier League star.
Man Utd positioning themselves to sign Mateta
According to L'Equipe, Manchester United are now positioning themselves to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace this summer. The Frenchman is reportedly considering joining Amorim's side in a bid to break into France's World Cup squad next summer.
The forward has enjoyed another excellent season at Selhurst Park and will forever have his place in the club's history after playing his part in their FA Cup win and their first-ever major trophy.
dan-ndoye-bologna Related
Man Utd ready move for one of the most sought after young talents in Italy
He's a man in demand.
The question will naturally be asked as to whether Mateta will be willing to ditch such success for a United side in turmoil, but Cunha's reported move proves that those at Old Trafford still have the ability to attract top talents.
Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Jean-Philippe Mateta Rasmus Hojlund Joshua Zirkzee
Minutes 2,587 1,924 1,402
Goals 14 4 3
Assists 2 0 1
Expected Goals 12.9 5.2 4.8
With 14 goals in the Premier League and 17 in all competitions, Mateta has found the back of the net more times than both Zirkzee and Hojlund combined. Described as "amazing" by Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner earlier this season, the Frenchman is someone that Manchester United should go all out for.