{"id":260283,"date":"2026-08-30T08:10:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T08:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/30\/a-level-above-mateta-man-utd-could-sign-one-of-the-best-cfs-in-the-world\/"},"modified":"2026-08-30T08:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T08:10:11","slug":"a-level-above-mateta-man-utd-could-sign-one-of-the-best-cfs-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/30\/a-level-above-mateta-man-utd-could-sign-one-of-the-best-cfs-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"A level above Mateta: Man Utd could sign “one of the best CFs in the world”"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Prior reports indicated that Manchester United<\/a> CEO Omar Berrada was keen to implement a new policy regarding signings, giving players two years to make an impact or risk being sold.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Manuel Ugarte would surely have been moved on this summer had injury not struck, while Joshua Zirkzee, another to have been signed in 2024, does appear to be heading for an imminent return to Serie A.<\/p>\n

From his match-winning debut against Fulham, the Dutchman has since scored just four more Premier League goals, a pitiful return considering the \u00a336.5m investment.<\/p>\n

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\n \n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

With United potentially in need of an upgrade or replacement, as Zirkzee departs for Fiorentina, one man who has been on the agenda is wantaway Crystal Palace striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Why Man Utd are unlikely to sign Mateta before the deadline<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Rio Ferdinand notably tipped Robert Lewandowski for a move to Manchester earlier in the summer, with there still a feeling that Michael Carrick<\/a>‘s squad could do with an experienced number nine to rival Benjamin Sesko.<\/p>\n

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Hojlund, Sesko, Zirkzee @ Man Utd<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\n

Stat<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Hojlund<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Sesko<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Zirkzee<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a364m<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a366.4m<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a336.5m<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Games<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

95<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

33<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

75<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Starts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

73<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

19<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

27<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

26<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Assists<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

PL Games<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

62<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

30<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

56<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

PL Starts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

17<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

19<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

PL Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

14<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

PL Assists<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

The 29-year-old Mateta, who’s spent the past five-and-a-half years in England, fits the bill in that regard, the Frenchman having hit 42 league goals across the last three seasons alone.<\/p>\n

A move to AC Milan failed to pan out in January, while the 6 foot 4 powerhouse has even attempted to rip up his contract at Selhurst Park a year early, in order to seal a move to Serie A.<\/p>\n

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\"Jean-Philippe\n <\/picture>Reuters\/Jason Cairnduff<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The failure to prove his 12-month extension invalid had ensured a Premier League switch appeared more likely, due to the cost involved, with Aston Villa lodging an initial offer, while United have seemingly lurked in the background<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There’s certainly merit in pursuing a move, particularly considering the reported \u00a340m asking price, although Mateta’s injury woes could well put paid to his hopes of an exit.<\/p>\n

Indeed, he is now expected to face at least four weeks out with a hamstring issue, having previously seen his Milan switch collapse due to issues regarding a medical.<\/p>\n

INEOS will be wary of forking out for a player who won’t be able to make an immediate impact, with there certainly other options on the table too, by all accounts.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n How Man Utd could sign an upgrade on Mateta<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

For three summers in succession, United have splashed the cash on a young, up-and-coming striker. To say the results have been mixed is an understatement.<\/p>\n

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\"Santos-Mainoo-Sesko-Man-Utd\"\n <\/picture>Action Images via Reuters\/Lee Smith<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Zirkzee looks to be heading back to Italy after two dismal seasons at Old Trafford, with former Atalanta man Rasmus Hojlund suffering a similar fate last summer, following his move to Napoli.<\/p>\n

Sesko, fresh from scoring 11 league goals last term, will be hoping to buck the trend, although an injury-hit summer has already put him on the back foot heading into the new campaign.<\/p>\n

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\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n

Someone of a little more experienced would do nicely, with TEAMtalk reporting that Juventus’ Jonathan David is a potential target, with the Canadian believed to be up for grabs.<\/p>\n

The 26-year-old is said to have been ‘offered’ to United in negotiations, as he seeks an escape from Turin, having only joined the Serie A giants from Lille last summer.<\/p>\n