Former Man United coach wants Mateta ahead of Sesko | OneFootball

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen would like the club to sign a striker like Jean-Philippe Mateta instead of breaking the bank for Benjamin Sesko.

Man United are finalising a blockbuster deal to sign Sesko and bring him to Old Trafford, but not everyone is a fan of the acquisition.

Some fans believe Man United are repeating the Rasmus Hojlund mistake by signing another striking prospect for big money rather than a tried and trusted centre-forward.

Meulensteen wants the Red Devils to go for a Premier League-proven option and said (via ManUtdNews): “Plenty of names are being thrown around, but the one I like is Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.”

“He has already done well in the Premier League and would not need time to adjust. That’s rarely the case when you bring in young players from overseas.

“Sesko is not the finished product. He is still developing, so it’s uncertain whether he would be successful. That makes him a risky option for United.”

Meulensteen is right, Man United should be chasing Mateta

Sesko is reportedly going to Man United for around €82.5 million plus €2.5 million in add-ons.

Man United can get Mateta, who scored more league goals (14) than the Slovenian (13), for a significantly lower sum.

Mateta’s underlying metrics suggest he will perform at a bigger club like Man Utd.

He ranked eighth in the Premier League for Expected Goals (xG) and ninth for total goals last term.

Hailed by Troy Deeney as a ‘beast’, his xG per 90 minutes sits at an impressive 0.45 from a modest average of 2.28 shots per game, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal.

The Frenchman bagged 46 goals and 11 assists for Palace, and his recent form has made him indispensable to Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

Mateta would have been the safer pick for Man United, but it seems the fans will have to rally behind Sesko and hope he delivers.