Manchester United have the chance to sign a long-term transfer target following a shocking U-turn
Michael Carrick
Manchester United have an intriguing transfer opportunity
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A massive transfer opportunity has unexpectedly emerged for Manchester United after a dramatic end to the January window.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta saw his deadline move to AC Milan collapse at the 11th hour after failing his medical, reportedly due to a knee injury he'd been nursing.
As a result, Mateta was forced to return to Selhurst Park - but his situation has since become complicated. Palace had already lined up a replacement and completed a £48million deal for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen late on Monday, leaving Mateta facing an uncertain future.
This surprising turn of events could open the door for United, who have long been linked with the 28-year-old. With Palace now well stocked in attack, a summer move to Old Trafford may suddenly be on the cards - particularly given United's recent penchant for Premier League-proven players - namely Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom have made bright starts since arriving in Manchester last year.
Mateta's contract in south London runs out in 2027 and with an extension looking unlikely, the Red Devils could potentially snap him up at a bargain - especially if Palace want to avoid losing him for free in 17 months' time.
That said, competition for places at Old Trafford is unlikely to be any easier. United splashed over £200m on attacking reinforcements last summer, including the arrival of Benjamin Sesko as their new marquee No. 9.
The Slovenian has struggled to live up to his £73m price tag, but three goals in his last three appearances hint that he may finally be finding his form. If that momentum continues, Mateta could face a fight for game time - much like Joshua Zirkzee, United's current No. 2 centre-forward, has over the past two seasons.
Jean-Philippe Mateta gestures
Jean-Philippe Mateta is stuck between a rock and a hard place after his move to AC Milan fell through(Image: PA)
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Mateta was left out of Palace's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with manager Oliver Glasner explaining that the striker was "not at his best" amid uncertainty over his future. It was only the second Premier League match he had missed for the club since November 2023.
Mateta isn't just Palace's top goalscorer this season, with 10 goals in 34 appearances - he has also led the club's scoring charts for the past three seasons. That leaves Glasner with a difficult decision over who to lead the line for the remainder of the campaign - a decision Man United are sure to be monitoring closely.
Having already invested heavily in both defence last season and attack this term, United are expected to prioritise midfield reinforcements this summer. One player strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford is Mateta's Palace team-mate Adam Wharton, while Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba are also on their radar.
This is where United are likely to focus the bulk of their transfer efforts, but if a chance to land a Premier League-proven goalscorer at a bargain price presents itself, they just might be tempted to take it.