Carrick has enjoyed a strong startplaceholder image
Carrick has enjoyed a strong start | Getty Images
Crystal Palace’s star striker may have his pick of clubs in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United are said to be among the clubs currently monitoring a developing transfer situation in London. The Red Devils have enjoyed a big turnaround over recent weeks, although time will tell whether it is a lasting turnaround.
After three wins in three games under new interim boss Michael Carrick, United are on cloud nine, sensing a potential top four finish. But they are still firmly in ‘new manager bump’ territory, and the true test of Carrick’s abilities will come after a sticky patch of form, as it does for everyone.
Still, United will want to ride the wave for as long as they can as they look to secure Champions League qualification, and fans are optimistic about a long-awaited transformation. To United’s credit, their recruitment in the last summer window was much better, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha showing the value of signing proven Premier League players, while statement signing benjamin Sesko has not panned out yet.
And that success could leave the Old Trafford club to sign another Premier League attacker this summer, or at least according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke. The journalist has claimed that the Red Devils are one of the teams monitoring Jean-Philippe Mateta’s situation at Crystal Palace.
That came after Mateta asked to leave Palace, and so a move in the summer is likely, especially with the forward only having one year left on his deal after this summer. A sale for under £25million is likely, and that will attract interest from plenty of clubs given how well he has performed at Selhurst Park.
Mateta may slip down Man Utd’s wishlist
O’Rourke said on the Football Insider podcast: “Yeah, I think he was on Man United’s list last summer and I ‘m told there was talk of something happening last month as well. Whether United have moved on now, that remains to be seen. I don’t think it’s a top priority for United anymore to bring in a new striker.
“With that injury, his age, he probably would not be top of United’s list anymore, Mateta. But I’m sure despite the disappointment of that deal to AC Milan falling through, there will be a number of clubs who will be ready to sign him in the summer from Crystal Palace, especially when he’ll just have one year left on his contract.”
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