Man Utd plan raid for powerful 6ft 5in killer Matanovic who 'radiates threat' in attack

Manchester United are planning a raid on towering Croatian striker Igor Matanovic to add a killer touch in front of goal.

Matanovic, 23, who currently plays at Freiburg, is attracting plenty of attention in the Premier League due to is goal scoring instincts and hard working mentality.

United have discussed Matanovic in the scouting department with a view to potentially making an offer in January.

After a slow start to the season, United are looking for reinforcements and Matanovic is one of the most exciting centre-forwards in the Bundesliga - after making major progress since joining Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt last year.

Freiburg sporting chief Jochen Saier has heaped praise on him saying he has an "all round exciting profile”, pointing to his physicality, goalscoring threat, attitude and willingness to work for the team.

“He is attentive, has good physicality and radiates a threat in front of goal,” Saier said. “He also shows a good attitude and willingness to work for the team.”

Saier also backed Freiburg's coaching environment to help Matanovic realise what he described as his “undoubtedly great potential.”

Matanovic stands at 6ft 5in and has developed into a forward capable of offering Freiburg a focal point in attack and a clear threat in front of goal.

His progress has also been reflected at international level, with the striker now established in the Croatia squad after making his senior debut in 2024.

Matanovic was already linked with United and Tottenham earlier this year, but he played down suggestions that a move to England was imminent.

“As far as I'm concerned, I'm currently at Freiburg,” Matanovic said. “There has been absolutely no contact with anyone from my side.”

The striker also offered an insight into the reason behind his improved form, telling how he is now more prepared mentally.

“Football is much more a mental game,” he explained, saying that being clear-headed, avoiding hesitation and having confidence had helped him perform at a higher level.

A report from Germany last month described Matanovic as a “symbol” of Freiburg's impressive start to the campaign, with six goals and two assists from the club's opening six competitive matches at that point.

Freiburg are understood to have increased their valuation from around £30million to £50m.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also reportedly interested, while Matanovic is now understood to feel the time is right for a move to the Premier League.