Manchester United have been offered the opportunity to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, presenting Michael Carrick with an interesting decision as Joshua Zirkzee moves closer to a potential Old Trafford exit.
Intermediaries have offered the Crystal Palace striker to both United and Tottenham, according to talkSPORT, while Aston Villa have already made an unsuccessful attempt to sign the 29-year-old.
United have not yet been reported to have opened talks for Mateta. The situation is nevertheless worth considering with Fiorentina pushing to take Zirkzee back to Serie A.
ReadManUtd reported on Thursday that Fiorentina have submitted an official €5million loan proposal for Zirkzee, with Fabrizio Romano describing negotiations with United and the player’s representatives as advanced.
Jean-Philippe Mateta offers something Man Utd can use
There is an obvious argument for United considering Mateta if Zirkzee leaves.
Benjamin Sesko has been recruited to become Carrick’s long-term first-choice centre-forward, but United still need sufficient depth behind him.
Mateta would provide that without the uncertainty normally attached to signing a striker from abroad.
The Frenchman has scored 48 goals in 149 Premier League appearances and has developed into a reliable top-flight centre-forward at Palace.
He can occupy centre-backs, provide a focal point and offer a significant penalty-box presence. Those characteristics would give Carrick the option of resting Sesko without having to fundamentally reshape United’s attack.
Mateta’s availability is also significant.
Sky Sports reports that Aston Villa have already made contact with Crystal Palace, while the striker has only one year remaining on his current contract. There is, however, still a gap between Villa and Palace’s respective valuations.
That is where United should be careful.
Man Utd cannot pay first-choice money for Sesko back-up
Mateta turns 30 next summer.
United have already invested heavily in an attack built around younger players, with Sesko recruited specifically as their long-term No.9.
ReadManUtd previously assessed whether Sesko can become United’s long-term centre-forward, and signing Mateta should not alter that plan.
There is little sense in spending a substantial fee on another striker approaching 30 if his primary job would be to cover Sesko.
The deal becomes considerably more attractive if Palace’s contract situation creates an opportunity at a reduced price, or if a loan structure becomes possible.
United also need to consider what they would lose with Zirkzee.
Mateta is the more established Premier League goalscorer, but Zirkzee offers different qualities. The Dutchman naturally drops between the lines, combines with midfielders and can operate alongside another striker rather than purely leading the line.
Replacing him with Mateta would give Carrick greater penalty-box presence but less variety.
Mateta is worth exploring, not chasing
United should therefore find out exactly what a Mateta deal would cost.
With Fabrizio Romano confirming Fiorentina’s official proposal for Zirkzee, there is a realistic possibility that Carrick could require another striker before the window closes. Romano says the Italian club have offered a €5m loan fee with a buy clause included.
Mateta would offer proven Premier League cover and could contribute immediately.
But United’s priorities matter.
Sesko should remain the central striker project, while defensive reinforcements are still required elsewhere in Carrick’s squad.
Mateta makes sense as an opportunity if the financial conditions reflect his role as cover.
If Palace demand the sort of money normally reserved for a first-choice striker, United should walk away.
