Manchester United have added another attacker to their shortlist by entering the race for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Off the back of their Europa League final defeat, Manchester United have turned their attention towards what is set to be a very important summer transfer window.
Ruben Amorim’s tenure so far has been plagued with negativity, with the Red Devil’s remaining trophy-less as they sit in the bottom five of the Premier League.
The attacking department has been an overwhelming contributor to their worst campaign in decades, scoring only 42 goals in 37 league fixtures.
With their financial situation seemingly struggling off the back of a disastrous campaign, it’s becoming increasingly likely that United may not be able to attract the targets that they have been previously linked with.
This has led Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS to start searching for new targets, such as Jean-Philippe Mateta, that may be more attainable for the sleeping giant.
Mateta added to United’s striker shortlist
According to reports from L’Equipe, the French centre-forward has been added to United’s striker shortlist after back-to-back successful campaigns in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace’s frontman is entering his final year on his current contract, which has caused many clubs to start putting Mateta on their radars.
The powerful striker managed to log 17 goals and four assists across his 45 matches in all competitions this season for Oliver Glasner’s side.
With United having to head down a Plan B transfer route this summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League, United are reportedly set to ‘test the waters’ to sign the FA Cup-winning striker, whose contract does not expire until 2027, as per SWPalace.
United may struggle to attract top talent
Due to United’s failure to secure European football, their pursuit of Mateta could be thwarted. The 27-year-old reportedly dreams of playing the 2026 World Cup with France despite not yet receiving a call-up.
Read More: Paul Pogba now “an option” for Manchester United this summer following Rúben Amorim’s £80m problem
Crystal Palace pulled off a surprise victory over United’s rivals, Manchester City, in the FA Cup final, catapulting the 12th-placed Premier League side into the Europa League.
With Mateta aiming to impress France manager Didier Deschamps, playing in Europe’s elite competitions could be pivotal for him to prove himself to his national coach.
Having previously expressed interest in Viktor Gyokeres, Liam Delap, and Matheus Cunha, Mateta joins a list of names that United will aim to attain to rejuvenate their underperforming attack.
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