Igor Matanovic
Igor Matanovic has been linked with a move to Manchester United. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United transfer target Igor Matanovic has broken his silence on a potential move to Old Trafford, where he would replace wantaway striker Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman is in talks about a possible loan back to Serie A, where Como are showing interest after failed approaches from Juventus and Fiorentina.
Freiburg striker Matanovic has been viewed as a replacement, though Tottenham have also shown an interest, and the player has now addressed leaving in a last-minute deadline day transfer. He said: "As far as I'm concerned, I'm currently at Freiburg. There has been absolutely no contact with anyone from my side.
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"The first thing people think of is that success is due to hard training and that's largely true. But I believe that football is much more a mental game. If you're clear-headed, not overthinking, and not hesitating, then that's how things happen. If I'm overthinking, starting to brood, and lacking self-confidence, then it doesn't work."
Matanovic began his career with St Pauli before stints with Eintracht Frankfurt and Karlsruher. He signed for Freiburg last summer and netted 15 goals during an impressive maiden campaign.
Matanovic also has three goals in as many matches this term. Asked whether joining Freiburg ranked amongst the finest decisions of his career, he responded: "Yes, of course. The answer is obvious. It was a huge step.
"Thanks to Freiburg, I also made it to the World Cup, which was a tremendous success for me as a young player."
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee can leave Manchester United today. (Image: Getty Images)
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Matanovic's comments arrive amid a summer of significant upheaval regarding United's attacking roster. Rasmus Hojlund sealed a permanent switch to Napoli following an impressive loan stint in Serie A.
Zirkzee could well follow his former team-mate to Italy, with Cesc Fabregas' Como holding an interest. Michael Carrick would be left with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko as United's primary striking options for the rest of the season.
While a striker does not appear to be the Red Devils' most pressing concern at present, deadline day could still prove eventful. Securing a left-back remains their top priority, with links to Barcelona's Alejandro Balde continuing, while Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas also remains firmly in contention.