Man Utd join chase for hotshot who has hit a double at Old Trafford this season

Manchester United have joined other heavyweight suitors in the race to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to reports.

The Red Devils are expected to target a new goalscorer at the end of the season, and it's claimed that Mateta features on Ruben Amorim's shortlist amid his uncertain future at Selhurst Park.

Amorim needs fresh firepower to improve his side's woeful attacking record. Only Everton and the three clubs in the relegation zone have scored fewer Premier League goals than United this season.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have managed five league goals combined, half of Mateta's tally, which has been boosted by six strikes in his last five games.

The 27-year-old downed United in his last outing, scoring both goals in Palace's 2-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Mateta is under contract in south London until 2027 after the Eagles triggered a 12-month extension, but he is yet to agree fresh terms.

AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United are also credited with an interest alongside Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille.

Mateta took some time to get going after landing at Palace from FC Mainz 05 in January 2022 but has exploded under the guidance of Oliver Glasner. The £9million Frenchman has scored 26 goals in 41 games since Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson as manager.

In that period, only Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah have recorded higher Premier League tallies.

It would be no surprise to see the Red Devils get creative with their summer targets, and a move for Mateta would seal Premier League experience while not breaking the bank.

Amorim’s tactical shift to a 3-4-3 formation demands a striker who can lead the press and hold up play, qualities Mateta has demonstrated consistently at Palace. His physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing could complement United’s young forwards, providing a much-needed focal point in attack.

Furthermore, Mateta’s relatively modest transfer fee, compared to other high-profile strikers like Viktor Gyokeres, aligns with United’s need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations while addressing their attacking deficiencies.