MAN UNITED 'TURN ATTENTIONS TO SIGNING CRYSTAL PALACE STAR JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA' AS RUBEN AMORIM CONTINUES HIS FORWARD HUNT
- United are looking to sign a forward after missing out on Europa League success
- Recruitment may be tough due to Red Devils not playing in Champions League
- LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Should Oliver Glasner leave Palace for Spurs?
Manchester United are considering moving for Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to a report.
The Red Devils are looking to sign a forward this summer, with goals continuing to be a problem in a campaign that has turned out to be one of the worst in the club's history.
Rasmus Hojlund has mustered up just four Premier League goals this term, drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike as he continues to struggle in his bid to become the answer to the club's striker prayers.
United are close to agreeing a deal to sign Matheus Cunha, but it is understood that Ruben Amorim wants the current Wolves forward to play in a No 10 role. That will lead to the club signing another striker.
Their mission has been made harder, though, after losing the Europa League final against Tottenham on Wednesday. The defeat means the club will not play Champions League football next season, potentially making it harder to attract players.
Having been linked with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, L'Equipe report that the club have turned their attentions to Crystal Palace's Mateta as a potential target for the summer.
Frenchman Mateta has been an integral part of the Crystal Palace side that won the FA Cup earlier this month as they beat Manchester City in the final. He has become an ever-present in a strong front-line in Oliver Glasner's side.
Mateta, 27, has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, including 14 in the Premier League. He started the FA Cup final, flanked by Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr.
His contract, though, is up in a year, which means he could be available at a cut price. If he doesn't leave this summer, he will be able to speak to foreign clubs from January and potentially leave next summer for free.
That could lead to Palace looking to do a deal, with Eddie Nketiah showing decent form of late as Mateta's back-up. There has, though, not yet been any indication that Palace want to sell.
Mateta himself is keen to impress Didier Deschamps to try and force his way into the French national team for the World Cup next year. That could lead to him jumping ship - though success in the Europa League next year with Palace could help his cause.
A return to France for the former Lyon forward is also reported to be an option.
Read more 2025-05-23T13:29:54Z