Report: Man United now keen on 17-goal “old-fashioned striker” this summer

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·27 July 2025

Report: Man United now keen on 17-goal “old-fashioned striker” this summer

Manchester United remain keen on signing Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old French attacker has performed well in the Premier League over the last 12 months and could prove to be a very useful acquisition for the Red Devils. According to Fichajes, he is on the shortlist at Manchester United along with four other players – Benjamin Sesko, Dusan Vlahovic, Ollie Watkins, and Nicolas Jackson.

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Man United need Jean-Philippe Mateta

Manchester United need a reliable presence in the attacking unit, and Mateta would be a handy option for them. Even though they have invested in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, they are still missing a clinical goalscorer. They have been linked with multiple players in recent weeks, and it will be interesting to see who they end up signing.

Mateta is a proven performer in the Premier League, and he could make an instant impact at Manchester United. The opportunity to join them will be quite exciting for the player as well, as he is at the peak of his career and will look to take on a new challenge. This could be his golden opportunity to join an elite club.

Mateta is a complete striker who will add goals, physicality, aerial prowess and hold-up play to the side. He has been described as an “old-fashioned striker “by Thierry Henry.

Can Man United convince Palace to sell Mateta?

Jean-Philippe Mateta has flourished under Oliver Glasner. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

It will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace are willing to sanction his departure. They are already expected to lose Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze this summer, and may not want to sell multiple key players in one window. Manchester United will probably need to come forward with a lucrative proposal to convince the London club.

The 28-year-old striker scored 17 goals last season and picked up four assists as well. He could prove to be an immediate upgrade on Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Both players were quite underwhelming last season, and Manchester United must improve in that area of the pitch if they want to fight for trophies and return to the Champions League.