Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, Man Utd badge
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, Man Utd badge.
Man Utd will be “ready to take advantage” to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta if the Eagles allow him to move on in January, according to reports.
The Red Devils spent most of their summer transfer budget on improving their midfield with Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans all arriving.
Man Utd supporters were hopeful of more signings that would improve their starting XI in defence and attack but the Red Devils left those until 2027.
There is already reportedly a commitment that Man Utd to overhaul their defence next year, while fans are now expecting them to sign a new striker in January.
With Benjamin Sesko picking up a long-term shin injury and rumours that Joshua Zirkzee could be sold, Fabrizio Romano confirmed last week that Man Utd want to sign a striker in January.
Romano said: “Considering the Sesko situation, and considering that Joshua Zirkzee remains one to watch for 2027 – there is a chance for Zirkzee to leave – so considering these factors, and that Man Utd are struggling up front, Man Utd have decided to explore the strikers market for January.
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“So, Manchester United are looking for a No 9, a traditional striker.
“Let’s see what’s gonna be available on the market, let’s see what kind of opportunities there will be. But Man Utd want to sign a striker, that’s the update.
“Man Utd want to consider a move regardless of what happens with the coach. So, unless a new manager arrives and says, ‘I don’t want a striker’, which sounds unlikely because United clearly need something up front, the club started exploring opportunities for a new central striker.”
‘Mateta will be one Man Utd are looking at’
One player Man Utd have been heavily linked with is Crystal Palace striker Mateta and ex-Red Devils scout Mick Brown insists they will be there if the Frenchman becomes available.
Brown told Football Insider: “Man United will be exploring deals for a number of strikers because they need to strengthen.
“Jean-Philippe Mateta will be one they’re looking at because of his situation at Crystal Palace, they’ll be keeping an eye on what happens there and ready to take advantage.
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“His contract situation is interesting, he’s not going to sign, so will he leave in January or at the end of the season?
“If they are going to let him go in January, Man United could be tempted, but I do think there are some concerns about whether he’s the right fit for what they want.
“I’ve always said he’s a Crystal Palace player, he suits that type of club where he can be the main man and maybe they cut him some slack when he’s not quite up to scratch.
“You don’t get that type of time and patience at a club like Man United, there’s more pressure, so will he deal with that? Plus, I do have a few questions about his attitude.
“This business with pushing to leave Crystal Palace raises a few red flags for me, but whether it will be a problem for Man United, we’ll see.”