Manchester United is sitting a dismal 12th in the league table after just five games, with only a single win to show for it. I mean, come on, that’s just brutal! This is a squad that’s actually created the most chances and registered the most shots in the English top flight, but their finishing? That’s been the massive elephant in the room, letting them down game after game. They even crashed out of the EFL Cup in the third round against Brighton & Hove Albion already. The good news? It looks like the Red Devils might finally get serious about fixing this mess, and a 29-year-old hitman just put himself on their radar.
The January Striker Hunt Is ON
United dropped the ball big time over the summer, failing to bring in the attacking firepower they desperately needed. Remember how they wanted a new striker then, especially with all the uncertainty around Joshua Zirkzee? Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace was on their radar back then, but the move fizzled out when Zirkzee stayed put. Fast forward to now, and United is apparently getting a second crack at the French striker! According to TEAMtalk, the Red Devils are “hot on the heels” of Mateta for the winter transfer window. Director of Football Jason Wilcox has him very much on the radar, and get this: Mateta’s camp actually contacted United themselves! The guy’s been trying to get away from Palace for almost two years, even trying to cancel his contract this summer. Wilcox is reportedly convinced by Mateta’s Premier League experience and goalscoring record. Summer budget constraints tied their hands then, but the frontline just cannot be ignored anymore. A new striker is officially a “top priority” for the club, and the January window opens in just 94 days.
Zirkzee Could Unlock Everything
Here’s where it gets interesting: Zirkzee himself could be the key to landing Mateta. Mateta’s contract with Palace expires next year, meaning January is their last chance to get a transfer fee for him. Meanwhile, TEAMtalk is reporting that United is going to “actively look to move the Dutchman [Zirkzee] on in the New Year.” There’s already interest in Zirkzee from Italy and England, with Palace even maintaining a long-standing interest in their former player. Mateta does have interest from Saudi Arabia, but a move to Old Trafford would obviously appeal way more to him. So, if United can ship Zirkzee out, that could pave the way for Mateta to come in.
The stakes could not be higher for Man United. They need a massive injection of life into that attack, and Mateta seems like a solid, experienced option who really wants to be there. Watching this play out over the next 94 days, as they try to sort out Zirkzee and bring in Mateta, is going to be absolutely wild. Can they turn this season around before it’s too late?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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