Manchester United have been given a crystal clear reminder that they must sign a new striker during the January transfer window, and they should put Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta close to the top of their list.
The Red Devils are dealing with a nightmare situation currently, winless in eight games and having only won one of their eight Premier League games this season. Michael Carrick is hanging on by a thread, still set to take charge for this weekend's clash with Chelsea, but whether he lasts much longer than that is a major question mark.
To make matters worse, starting striker Benjamin Sesko has now been ruled out until January after a frustrating time trying to recover from a shin issue. That has provided a key reminder for United that they must recruit up top in the summer having failed to do so during the summer window.
That led them with Sesko, who is injured, Joshua Zirkzee, who they tried to sell, and then Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who are both better out wide. Carrick does not have sufficient depth at the top end of the pitch, and that is going to have to be addressed, even if Sesko is due to return in the winter.
According to TeamTalk, United have four strikers on their wishlist, which includes Mateta, along with Club Brugges Nicolo Tresoldi, Igor Matanovic (Freiburg) and Dion Beljo (Dinamo Zagreb).
Mateta should stand out above all others
REUTERS/Ian Hodgson
It's clear Tresoldi is a real talent, and it looks as though there will be a big battle for his services among top clubs in January. United are in no place to win that race currently, and in any case, they need to revert to the model that made them relatively successful last season.
That model involved signing proven Premier League players, and Mateta falls into that category. The Crystal Palace striker played a key role in Palace's success that saw them win an FA Cup and a Conference League title. He is not a player who scores at will, but those kinds of players just aren't available during January transfer window.
“He's an amazing finisher, with left foot and right and also with the head.” - Oliver Glasner
What Mateta is is a clear reference point, and someone who can reliable put in 7/10 performances, demanding the ball, holding it up and bringing others into play. For a target man, he also has a surprising ability to get in behind and show some pace, and he is a player who does not turn up putting in half an effort.
Glasner said of one Mateta performance last year: “It is amazing when you have a number nine who scores goals — that is what everyone expects from a striker. The second goal looked easy in the end because it was a one-touch finish, but it was his 20th run in behind. He runs and runs, and many times, he does not get the ball, but in the end, he gets the rewards.”
Mateta's stats by Premier League season
2025/26 - 12 goals
2024/15 - 14 goals
2023/24 - 16 goals
2022/23 - 2 goals
2021/22 - 1 goal (only 7 games)
Mateta hasn't had an easy start to the season, initially struggling with a hamstring issue, and Pierre Sage has had a tough time of things after taking over from Oliver Glasner.
He could perhaps do with a fresh start, and United undoubtedly have an open spot for a hold-up striker who can help get the best out of the club's misfiring wingers. Mateta brings work rate, reliable finishing and he is clearly a proven Premier League player at this stage.
United will not get a superstar striker in January, and looking at that list, and keeping in mind Tresoldi has no Premier League experience, even if United could convince him, Mateta is the best option they have.
Oh, and he is out of contract next summer, so he could even arrive for an absolute steal of a price.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick