Report: Crystal Palace set £40m price tag as Man United target Forward | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Striker Hunt: Is Jean-Philippe Mateta the Answer?

Manchester United’s search for attacking reinforcements has led them to Crystal Palace’s in-form striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Reports from The Mirror indicate that United have initiated talks for a summer move, with Palace demanding £40 million for the 27-year-old French forward.

United’s striking woes this season have been well-documented, with £72 million signing Rasmus Hojlund struggling for consistency. His return of just two Premier League goals has put pressure on manager Ruben Amorim to find a more reliable goal source. Injuries have plagued his options, and United’s precarious financial position further complicates their ability to make big-money moves without offloading players first.

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Mateta’s Resurgence Under Glasner

Mateta’s transformation under Oliver Glasner has been remarkable. The Frenchman, who struggled for form under Roy Hodgson, has flourished, scoring 15 goals in all competitions—including 12 in the Premier League. Even after suffering a severe head injury that required 25 stitches following a brutal challenge by Millwall’s Liam Roberts, Palace remain hopeful he will return in time for their FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham.

While Mateta fits Amorim’s desire for a physical and intelligent striker, he may not be United’s first-choice target. Amorim is reportedly keen on Viktor Gyokeres, but with the Swedish striker’s £80 million release clause at Sporting Lisbon and United’s £1 billion-plus debt, a deal appears unlikely.

Can United Solve Their Goalscoring Crisis?

Amorim’s trust in Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee has yet to bear fruit, leaving United in urgent need of a reliable frontman. Mateta’s form makes him a credible option, but Palace will not part with him cheaply. Given United’s financial constraints, their ability to land a proven Premier League goal scorer remains uncertain.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excited Manchester United fans will see Mateta’s potential move as a step toward solving their attacking issues. His goal tally for Palace speaks for itself, and under Glasner, he has developed into a clinical finisher. However, scepticism remains—United’s transfer business has been inconsistent at best, and with financial constraints looming, fans will worry that another drawn-out saga awaits.

The price tag also raises concerns. £40 million for a striker who only recently found form is a risk. Would Mateta replicate his Palace success at Old Trafford, or would he become another costly misfire? United’s inability to get the best out of recent signings, from Hojlund to Antony, suggests caution is necessary. If Mateta arrives, the pressure will be immense, not just on him, but on Amorim to deliver instant results.