Manchester United must place their focus on landing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin poised to sign a new Leeds United contract.
The Red Devils recently suffered a big injury blow with Benjamin Sesko ruled out until at least January with a recurring shin issue. The Slovenian will also need time to build his fitness on his return, and it may take several more weeks before he can become a potential starter.
Hence, United desperately need another specialist striker in the squad, particularly with Joshua Zirkzee deemed not good enough. The Red Devils recently did background checks on Calvert-Lewin, but that looks set to go in vain with the Englishman set to sign a new Leeds deal.
This is an obvious blow for the Red Devils, but they must now pursue another alternative Premier League striker who can make an instant impact from the first week of January. Looking at the options available, we believe United must put all efforts into landing Mateta from Palace.
The Frenchman has been one of the league’s most consistent strikers over the past three years. He has netted 42 goals during that period and has become a genuine nemesis for opposition defenders with his strong aerial presence, hold-up play, as well as his knack for scoring goals.
Last season, Mateta won more than two aerial duels per game. He scored 16 goals in all competitions, with 12 in the league. He showed his flexibility in goalscoring with five headed goals, three with his left foot and four with his stronger right foot.
The former Mainz man squandered several big scoring chances, but his ability to get into those goalscoring positions is something United currently lack upfront through Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who are predominantly wingers.
Mateta has already opened the door to join the Red Devils this winter. He has snubbed a new contract at Palace beyond June 2027, meaning the South London club are more likely to sell him in January rather than lose him on a free transfer in the summer.
The Eagles did exactly so by selling Marc Guehi to Manchester City last winter for just £20 million. Meanwhile, Mateta was close to joining AC Milan in February for £30m before the Rossoneri pulled the plug on the deal amid concerns over his knee injury at the time.
Palace are unlikely to get anywhere close to that figure at the start of 2027. At his current age (29) and remaining contract length, United should be optimistic about landing him for £15m with small add-ons. They could easily recoup the fee by offloading Zirkzee permanently.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com