Manchester United have initiated discussions to acquire Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, aiming to bolster their attacking options ahead of the upcoming season.
Red Devils keen on Mateta: United’s striker search leads to Crystal Palace star
The 27-year-old French forward has been in remarkable form, netting 15 goals across all competitions this season, surpassing the combined tally of United’s current strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who have managed 13 goals between them.
Under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, Mateta has flourished, particularly in recent fixtures, where he has scored eight goals in as many Premier League games.
His prowess in the box and relentless work ethic have drawn praise, with Glasner commenting on Mateta’s instinctive positioning and perseverance, stating, “He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box.”
United’s pursuit of Mateta comes amid their ongoing struggles in the attacking department. Both Hojlund and Zirkzee have faced challenges in finding consistent form, prompting manager Ruben Amorim to seek reinforcements.
The club has reportedly been informed that securing Mateta’s services would require a £40 million investment.
However, this potential transfer has sparked debate among football pundits.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney expressed skepticism regarding Mateta’s fit for Manchester United, suggesting that the Frenchman might not meet the club’s high standards.
Deeney remarked, “Mateta is not the answer for Man Utd… He’s not even good enough for Crystal Palace.”
Conversely, Arsenal legend Paul Merson has advocated for United to pursue Mateta, highlighting his physical presence and goal-scoring capabilities as assets that could benefit the Red Devils.
Merson stated, “Man United should go and get the lad who played yesterday – Mateta at Palace. That’s what they need.”
As negotiations progress, Manchester United must weigh these differing perspectives, considering both Mateta’s recent performances and the broader context of their strategic objectives.
The decision to invest in Mateta will reflect the club’s commitment to addressing their goal-scoring challenges and their ambition to reestablish themselves as a dominant force in English football.
