Manchester United’s form within the final third throughout this season has been a huge cause for concern for boss Ruben Amorim ahead of his first full campaign in 2025/26.
The Red Devils have only scored 39 times in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, with only four teams in the division scoring fewer, three of which have already been relegated.
The boss currently has two main strikers at his disposal in the form of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, but the pair have often failed to deliver within the final third.
Both have shared the responsibility at the top end of the pitch, but have only registered seven combined goals between them – undoubtedly contributing to their lowly goal tally.
Such a record has led to rumours over summer moves for various attacking talents across Europe, with a real need to improve the forward line ahead of next season.
The latest on Man Utd’s hunt for new attackers
Wolves star Matheus Cunha has been the main target on the lips of United supporters over the last couple of weeks, with a move appearing to be edging in the right direction.
It was reported that his £62.5m release clause isn’t thought to be an issue for the hierarchy, with the Brazilian also keen on a move to Old Trafford during the off-season.
Fabrizio Romano also stated that talks were progressing for the 25-year-old, putting the two parties ‘very close’ to completing a deal to bolster Amorim’s forward line.
He could be joined in such a department by Jean-Phillippe Mateta, with GIVEMESPORT reporting that the Red Devils were extremely keen on a move for the Crystal Palace talisman.
The report states that the Frenchman would be open to a move to the club in the coming months, providing the target man they’ve been searching for, given his tally of 14 league goals this campaign.
Previous reports have suggested he may cost in the region of £40m if Palace let him go this summer.
Why United’s target would be perfect alongside Cunha
A move for Wolves star Cunha would undoubtedly be a massive signing for Amorim, handing him that added attacking threat that he’s been hunting for after taking the reins.
However, despite his talents, GIVEMESPORT reported in their update that he is being targeted as a talent to operate in the attacking midfield role behind the striker – opening the door for another player to arrive in that department.
He could operate alongside Bruno Fernandes, with the pair having the tools to aid any new striker in the final third, as the club look to become a force to be reckoned with as they once were in England’s top flight.
The 25-year-old’s stats from this season showcase the threat he poses in attacking areas, creating two chances per 90, with his tally of six assists undoubtedly aiding Mateta should he move with him.
Such figures would play into the Palace star’s hands at Old Trafford if his own tallies were to be carried over with him if he was to swap London for Manchester.
Mateta, who’s been labelled “sensational” by HLTCO, has been a menace to all backlines throughout the division – as seen by his goalscoring tally, massively outscoring any player in the United squad.
He’s also posted a 42% shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst scoring with every other shot on target he’s managed in 2024/25 – offering Amorim the clinical edge that he’s desperately needed during his tenure in charge.
Games played
33
Goals scored
14
Shot-on-target accuracy
42%
Goals per shot-on-target
0.5
Aerials won
2.2
Take-on success
43%
Shot-creating actions
2.1
The Frenchman’s quality doesn’t end there, winning 2.2 aerials per 90, along with a 43% dribble success rate, having the all-round tools to star at the top end of the pitch for United.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Palace star would set the hierarchy back over the summer, his talents are there for all to see – certainly ending their hunt for a new talisman in the process.
The prospect of Mateta starring in forward areas alongside Cunha for the Red Devils is certainly an exciting thought, pushing the club back in the right direction to battle at the top end of the table in the near future.
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