Manchester United have had a dreadful start to the Premier League campaign, picking up only seven points after eight games.
They are also out of the Carabao Cup and have won just one of their three league-phase matches in the Champions League.
Manager Michael Carrick continues to be backed by the club’s hierarchy, but he faces a huge challenge to keep his position.
Amidst this, United have suffered a massive blow with striker Benjamin Sesko ruled out until at least January with a shin injury.
The Slovenian has suffered a recurrence of an issue he carried last season, and he looks set to be out for an extended period.
The Athletic claim that the former RB Leipzig star would need to build his fitness thereafter, meaning he may not start for several weeks.
This clearly indicates United must spend on a new marksman, given the lack of physicality and aerial presence in the striker’s position.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have had stints as makeshift number nines this term, but neither of them offers Sesko’s attributes upfront.
Joshua Zirkzee, who is the back-up striker in the squad, has plenty of height, but he prefers to operate deeper, unlike a perfect centre-forward.
The Dutchman’s hold-up play has improved in recent months, but Carrick has not been convinced to start him in the current campaign thus far.
Zirkzee has attracted interest from several Italian clubs and Everton. The Red Devils could well open the door for his departure in the New Year.
Regardless of his situation, United must now invest in an experienced centre-forward knowing that Sesko may not be available to start for several months.
In our view, the club are likely to pursue someone with Premier League experience, based on how they have signed players in recent transfer windows.
Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Karl Darlow were all brought in with ample league experience last summer. The hierarchy could prefer the same for a striker.
In that case, it appears a no-brainer decision to recruit Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose contract with the Eagles expires in June next year.
The Frenchman has no desire to prolong his stay with the south London club, and talkSPORT recently claimed that he would be keen on a winter move to United.
TalkSPORT added that the Red Devils have looked at him as an option in the past and could explore a deal if they require a new striker in the next transfer window.
That now seems necessary with Sesko’s extended absence. Mateta would be a fabulous acquisition for United due to his strong physical and aerial presence in the box.
He has not had much playing time this term after an early hamstring injury, but has a strong track record in the league with 42 goals over the last three seasons for Palace.
The 29-year-old won an average of two aerial duels per game last term. He can miss big scoring chances, but has a gifted ability to get into brilliant positions to find the back of the net.
Mateta made significant improvement in his hold-up play under former Palace manager Oliver Glasner and offers a set-piece threat too, with five headed league goals last season.
Hence, United must be at the forefront to sign him, given his desire to join them.
Palace came close to selling him to AC Milan for £30 million last winter before the Rossoneri pulled the plug on the deal due to concerns over a knee issue. He has successfully recovered from it.
The Eagles went on to reject a package worth £20-25m from Aston Villa for him last summer, but he could be permitted to leave for less, given his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
We feel the London side could hold out for £15m plus some add-ons. United should have no qualms about matching that as Mateta provides the physical striking presence they crave.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com