Since Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Manchester United manager in November, the absence of a clinical, consistent centre-forward has loomed over Old Trafford like a spectre. The Portuguese tactician, heralded for his dynamic systems at Sporting CP, has found his vision stifled by a threadbare attacking roster—a problem exacerbated by the club’s failure to secure reinforcements during January’s truncated transfer window. As the season reaches its crescendo, the spotlight turns to INEOS and their first summer window, with Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta now thrust into the heart of United’s rebuild plans.
Amorim’s early tenure has been a study in frustration. United’s fluid, high-pressing approach demands a focal point capable of both link-up play and ruthless finishing—qualities glaringly absent in a squad overly reliant on the raw potential of Rasmus Hojlund and the unproven Joshua Zirkzee. While the Dane’s work ethic is undeniable, his return of six Premier League goals underscores a broader issue: United rank 12th for big chances converted (38.5%) this season, a damning statistic for a club of their stature.
The decision to abstain from January signings, reportedly due to Financial Fair Play constraints and a lack of viable short-term options, has left Amorim juggling tactical bandaids. Marcus Rashford’s drift into central roles and Alejandro Garnacho’s inverted forays have yielded flashes of promise, but without a proven No. 9, United’s attacks often dissolve into hopeful crosses or speculative efforts from range.
Enter Jean-Philippe Mateta. Once labelled a “project player” after his £15 million move from Mainz in 2021, the 27-year-old Frenchman has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis under Oliver Glasner. His 18 non-penalty goals since the start of 2023/24—including a brace in Palace’s 4-0 demolition of United last month—reflect a striker reborn: physically dominant, tactically adaptable, and ice-cool in front of goal.
The Mirror reports that Palace have set an asking price of “at least £50 million” for their talisman, a figure that acknowledges both his soaring stock and the premium attached to Premier League-proven talent. Standing at 6’3”, Mateta combines aerial prowess (winning 4.2 duels per 90) with intelligent movement, making him a natural fit for Amorim’s preference for dual-threat forwards. Crucially, his 23% conversion rate dwarfs Hojlund’s 12%, addressing United’s most glaring deficiency.
United’s pursuit is far from straightforward. Domestic rivals Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle—all monitoring Mateta’s situation—could leverage European football or financial muscle to hijack negotiations. More intriguingly, Lyon’s majority owner John Textor, who holds a 45% stake in Palace, is reportedly pushing to repatriate Mateta to Ligue 1. While multi-club ownership rules complicate such a move, Textor’s influence adds a layer of uncertainty to what promises to be a protracted saga.
Merson’s Verdict: “100 Times Better” Than Current Options
The stakes are not lost on pundits. Sky Sports’ Paul Merson delivered a scathing assessment of United’s current striking corps, stating: “Mateta is 100 times better than what they’ve got. Hojlund’s a talent, but he’s not ready to lead the line for a club like United. Zirkzee? I don’t see it. Mateta’s the finished article—he bullies defenders and knows where the net is.”
While hyperbolic, Merson’s critique taps into a growing consensus: Amorim cannot afford another transitional season. With INEOS demanding immediate progress, the 39-year-old manager faces a career-defining decision—stick with his project players or secure a marquee signing to catalyse his philosophy.
For United’s incumbent forwards, the final months of 2023/24 represent a last audition. Hojlund, despite flashes of potential, has yet to dispel doubts about his ability to shoulder the burden alone. Zirkzee, signed as a budget alternative last summer, remains an enigma—technically gifted but prone to drifting out of games.
Amorim’s patience appears finite. Privately, sources suggest the coach has urged scouts to explore alternatives, including Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy and Lille’s Jonathan David, but Mateta’s Premier League pedigree makes him the priority.
For all the focus on Amorim, this summer will test INEOS’ ambition. A £50 million outlay for Mateta would signal intent, but with midfield and defensive reinforcements also required, the hierarchy must balance immediate needs against long-term vision. The Glazers’ legacy of scattergun recruitment looms large—a cautionary tale the new regime cannot afford to repeat.
Manchester United’s striking woes are neither new nor easily solved, but the Mateta links underscore a shift toward pragmatism under Amorim. In a market starved of elite No. 9s, the Frenchman represents calculated risk over glamour—a statement signing designed to bridge the gap between project and product.
As the Theatre of Dreams braces for another rebuild, one truth remains self-evident: without a proven goalscorer, even the most visionary manager is destined to tread water. For Amorim and INEOS, the clock is ticking.
