Mateta Manchester Move

United’s troubles this season have been well documented, and the current misfiring forward line looks set to be overhauled in the Summer. With Rashford and Anthony moving out on loan during the Winter transfer window and Hoijlund and Zirkzee failing to live up to their price tags, Amorim could look to Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta to solve his problems.

Manchester United’s toothless attack this season sees Amad Diallo lead the goalscoring charts with just six and bookmakers, making the club outsiders to finish in the top four, let alone challenge for the title.

Betting expert James Briscoe explains that checking betting markets on this year’s trusted list of online operators should help Manchester United fans find the best odds and promotions for matchday betting, with most other league markets out of the club’s reach this year.

Ruben Amorim will be hopeful that he can move on players like Rashford and Anthony permanently, freeing up transfer funds to create a squad he can work with.

While rumours will persist about Viktor Gyökeres because he has played under Amorim before, the free-scoring striker could be out of United’s price range with a release clause of £80 million.

However, one player that could be on his radar is Jean-Philippe Mateta who would cost a lot less, and unlike Gyökeres, has proven himself in the Premiership.

Mateta scored 16 goals in the Premier League in 25 matches last season and already has 10 in 24 this year. He even notched a double at Old Trafford on February 2nd as the Eagles soared to a 2-0 victory.

Mateta joined Palace from Mainz 05 for a fee of around £9 million after spells at Châteauroux and Lyon. While the forward has yet to make an appearance for the French national team, he was instrumental in the French Olympic team scooping a silver medal, chipping in with some valuable goals on the way to the final.

The 6ft 4″ striker offers a physical presence but is also skilful with the ball at his feet, but this has also alerted the likes of Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Chelsea to his potential availability.

At 27, a decent transfer fee could still be recouped for a player who has his best years ahead of him, and a price tag of around £20-25 million could be enough for Crystal Palace to do business.

A move for a player like Mateta could be similar to the 2004 signing of Louis Saha from Fulham. The French forward played at United for four seasons and had 58 goal contributions from 124 appearances, including 42 goals.

Zirkzee and Højlund are still relatively young at 23 and 22 respectively, and have the potential to contribute to the club in the future or command a decent transfer fee.

Mateta could be the answer for Amorim who will have to move players on and be clever with his finances in order to strengthen the club across the board.