According to a report from Football Insider, Manchester United are looking into the market for further attacking talent and have named Jean-Philippe Mateta as a potential option.
The 28-year-old Crystal Palace forward is yet to agree an extension to his contract at Selhurst Park, with his current contract running until the summer of 2027, a situation that has alarmed several Premier League clubs.
United’s interest forms part of their plans to add depth, reliability and leadership up front.
Ruben Amorim already has attacking options at his disposal, but there is a growing feeling within Old Trafford that the team still lacks a stable and authoritative presence up front.
Manchester United need a more reliable striker
The Red Devils invested heavily in Benjamin Šeško last summer, but the former RB Leipzig striker has struggled to justify the price tag so far.
Šeško, who has scored just two goals in 20 appearances this season, has found adapting to the Premier League more difficult than expected.
Joshua Zirkzee, on the other hand, has endured an uncertain campaign in and out of contention, limited by inconsistent playing time and tactical preferences.
This background explains why Mateta has emerged as a serious consideration. The France international has quietly become one of Crystal Palace’s most important attacking players.
Mateta is a proven goalscorer with a strong physical presence
He impressed not only with his goal-scoring quality, but also with his physicality and ability to work with his teammates.
He has scored seven league goals this season, including one against Man United last month, and his performances reportedly caught the attention of United’s recruitment staff.
Below is a breakdown of his stats at Crystal Palace, showing that he has improved his consistency levels.
| season | Total matches | the goal | assist |
| 2025/26 | twenty one | 7 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | 46 | 17 | 3 |
| 2023/24 | 39 | 19 | 5 |
| 2022/23 | 32 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | 28 | 7 | 1 |
| 2020/21 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| total | 173 | 53 | 10 |
Mateta’s development under previous Palace managers is noteworthy. Once seen primarily as a pure, physical striker, he has honed his movement, link-up play and decision-making in the final third.
Palace are not under immediate pressure to sell, but interest from a prestigious club like United could test their resolve, especially if Mateta is open to a new challenge.
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