As Manchester United prepare for a pivotal summer transfer window, the need for a reliable striker has never been more pressing. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to deliver consistently, leaving Ruben Amorim’s side languishing in 13th place and desperately short of firepower. While names like Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo have dominated the rumour mill, one player who has been linked but is unlikely to make the cut is Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.
According to former United chief scout Mick Brown, the French striker, despite his recent heroics at Old Trafford, is not on the club’s radar. In a candid assessment, Brown highlighted the gulf between excelling at Selhurst Park and thriving at the Theatre of Dreams a gap that Mateta may not be ready to bridge.
Mateta’s Rise: A Star at Selhurst Park
Mateta’s recent form has been nothing short of sensational. The 27-year-old has been a revelation for Crystal Palace this season, netting 14 goals in 28 Premier League appearances. His brace in Palace’s 2-0 victory over United at Old Trafford was a masterclass in clinical finishing, further fuelling speculation about a potential move to a bigger club.
However, as Brown pointed out, performing for Palace is a far cry from leading the line for Manchester United. “I think he’s done extremely well for Crystal Palace. And I think Crystal Palace know that, so it’s very important for them to get him tied down,” Brown told Football Insider.
The Old Trafford Test: Why Mateta Doesn’t Fit
While Mateta’s physicality and goal-scoring instincts have impressed, Brown believes he falls short of the calibre required to spearhead United’s attack. “When you’re looking at their list of targets, you’ve got Harry Kane, you’ve got [Viktor] Gyökeres, and then there’s Mateta and as good as he’s been, there’s a bit of a gap there,” Brown explained.
The former scout’s comments underscore the challenges United face in their striker search. With the club reportedly unwilling to spend £50m on Mateta, who turns 28 in June, the focus is likely to shift to younger, more dynamic options.
The Gyökeres Conundrum: A Missed Opportunity?
Mateta’s links to United emerged in the wake of reports that a deal for Gyökeres is unlikely due to the financial demands involved. The Sporting CP striker, who has scored 34 goals in 35 appearances this season, would command a fee in excess of £80m a figure that United are reluctant to meet for a player who turns 27 in June.
If Gyökeres is deemed too expensive, it stands to reason that Mateta, who is older and less prolific, would also be deemed an unattractive option. As Brown noted, “If the logic behind the club cooling their interest in Gyökeres is that they don’t want to commit such a financial outlay on a 26-year-old, it stands to reason that they would also be unwilling to sign a much less prolific striker for similar money and who is actually slightly older than the Swede.”
Alternative Targets: Šeško, Delap, and Mbeumo
With Mateta seemingly off the table, United’s striker search is likely to focus on younger, high-potential options. Benjamin Šeško, the RB Leipzig forward, has been a long-term target, while Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo offer intriguing alternatives.
Šeško, 21, fits INEOS’ preference for young, homegrown talent, while Delap’s aggressive running and physicality make him an appealing option. Mbeumo, meanwhile, has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, netting 14 goals for Brentford.
The Bigger Picture: A Striker for the Future
United’s reluctance to pursue Mateta reflects a broader shift in their transfer strategy under INEOS. The focus is on building a squad for the future, with an emphasis on youth, versatility, and resale value. While Mateta’s recent form is commendable, he doesn’t align with this vision.
For Amorim, the challenge is to identify a striker who can not only deliver goals but also grow with the team. Whether it’s Šeško, Delap, or another target, the decision will have far-reaching implications for United’s rebuild.
Conclusion: A Pragmatic Approach
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s rise at Crystal Palace is a testament to his talent and determination, but it’s clear that he isn’t the solution to Manchester United’s striker woes. As Mick Brown’s assessment highlights, the gap between excelling at Selhurst Park and thriving at Old Trafford is significant and one that Mateta may not be ready to bridge.
For United, the focus remains on finding a striker who can lead the line for years to come. In a summer of tough decisions, the club’s hierarchy must ensure they get this one right.
Quotes sourced from Mick Brown’s interview with Football Insider. Statistics via Opta.
