Arsenal legend insists Man Utd should have signed EPL striker who’s ‘100 times better’ than Zirkzee & Hojlund | OneFootball

Former Arsenal star Paul Mercer believes Manchester United should have gone all in for Jean-Philippe Mateta on deadline day.

The 27-year-old has been a menacing force for Crystal Palace upfront his season. He has already netted 10 goals in the Premier League this season, including a brace last Sunday at Old Trafford to inflict more misery on the Red Devils. The French Congolese’s two goals settled the tie in favour of the Eagles, so Mercer believes the bomber has the required quality to play on the opposite side of the pitch.

The 56-year-old thus urged United to sign Mateta while vividly explaining how much of an improvement he would be on their current crop, particularly their two strikers Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.

“United should get Mateta, that’s what they need. He’s a strong lad up front, playing at the top of his game, he leads the line, scoring goals now. He runs and works his socks off harder than anyone you know.” said Mercer during his appearance on Sky Sports during the deadline-day coverage.

“But they won’t because he plays for Palace. And everyone would go: what are you buying him for? But he’s 100 times better than anyone United have in the front line. Not Amad, he’s a young kid – but he’s much better than Hojlund and Zirkzee at the moment.”

Paul Mercer gives Man Utd Jean-Philippe Mateta advice

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Needless to say, INEOS paid little heed to Mercer’s advice, as Mateta was never even considered for the job, at least based on transfer rumours.

Instead, the Red Devils identified Mathys Tel as the right profile to enhance their attack, before deciding to drop out of the race when Bayern Munich refused to grant them the option to buy the teenager at the end of the season. Ironically, Spurs ended up signing the young Frenchman on loan WITH an option to buy.