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Manchester United are exploring the market for additional offensive firepower and have identified Jean-Philippe Mateta as a potential option, according to reports from Football Insider.
The 28-year-old Crystal Palace striker is yet to agree a contract extension at Selhurst Park, with his current deal running until the summer of 2027, and the situation has alerted several Premier League clubs.
United’s interest is part of their plan to add depthreliability and leadership to their forward line.
Although Rúben Amorim already has attacking options, there is a growing feeling at Old Trafford that the team still lacks a cohesive, authoritative presence up front.
Man United need a more reliable striker
The Red Devils invested heavily in Benjamin Šeško last summer, but the former RB Leipzig striker has so far struggled to justify his price tag.
With just two goals in 20 matches this season, Šeško has found his adaptation to the Premier League more difficult than expected.
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee has endured an uncertain campaign, limited by inconsistent minutes and tactical preferences that have seen him in and out of competition.
This background explains why Mateta emerged as a serious consideration. The French international has quietly become one of Crystal Palace’s most important attacking supports.
Mateta is a proven scorer with a strong physical presence
He not only impressed with his scoring quality, but also with his physicality and his ability to bond with his teammates.
He has scored seven league goals this seasonincluding a strike against Man United last month, a performance which is said to have caught the attention of United’s recruitment staff.
Below is a breakdown of his stats for Crystal Palace, which shows he has improved his consistency levels.
| Season | Total number of matches | Goals | Aids |
| 2025/26 | 21 | 7 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | 46 | 17 | 3 |
| 2023/24 | 39 | 19 | 5 |
| 2022/23 | 32 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | 28 | 7 | 1 |
| 2020/21 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 173 | 53 | 10 |
Mateta’s evolution under successive Palace rulers has been remarkable. Once seen primarily as a raw and physical striker, he has refined his movement, link-up play and decision-making in the final third.
Although Palace are under no immediate pressure to sell, interest from a club of United’s stature could test their resolve, particularly if Mateta proves open to a new challenge.
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