Manchester United eye Jean-Philippe Mateta as an alternative to Liam Delap
Manchester United must make decisive, high-quality signings in the upcoming summer transfer window if they are serious about getting back into the competition next season. Their Premier League campaign has been disappointing, with glaring weaknesses exposed across multiple positions.
The attack, in particular, has been a major concern. United have struggled for consistent goals, and neither Rasmus Højlund nor Joshua Zirkzee has lived up to expectations. The situation is further complicated by the uncertain futures of Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho, all of whom have failed to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford. Addressing the frontline with proven, reliable quality will be critical if United are to spark a genuine resurgence under Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United want Jean-Philippe Mateta as an alternative to Liam Delap
Given their urgent need for attacking reinforcements, Manchester United have been linked with several forwards ahead of the summer transfer window. According to Give Me Sport, United are now considering Jean-Philippe Mateta as a potential alternative if they fail to land Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
Delap remains the club’s primary target, with a £30 million release clause activated following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League. The young striker has been in sensational form this season, standing out as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign for his team.
However, with competition intensifying for Delap’s signature, United are wisely keeping their options open. Mateta, who has shown flashes of quality in the Premier League, could provide a strong, physical presence up front if United are forced to shift their focus away from Delap.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United eyeing summer deal for 22-year-old ‘incredible’ Championship star
- Manchester United emerge as frontrunners to sign Sporting Lisbon star as Amorim eyes reunion
- Manchester United express interest in signing out-of-favor PSG star
Looking at Jean-Philippe Mateta’s statistics this season, the Crystal Palace forward has delivered a solid return. He has scored 14 goals in 33 Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, splitting his tally evenly between home and away matches with seven goals each.
Mateta is a powerful, clinical striker, known for his physical strength, sharp finishing, and intelligent movement in the final third. He excels at holding up play, linking attacks, and scoring a variety of goals. Proven in the Premier League, Mateta is durable, rarely injured, and has shown the ability to perform under pressure.
Targeting Mateta as a backup option to Liam Delap is a smart and pragmatic move by Manchester United. While Delap offers youthful promise and long-term upside, Mateta’s experience, physicality, and Premier League reliability could provide immediate stability — particularly if United’s Champions League qualification hopes falter. His profile fits well with Ruben Amorim’s system and offers a valuable alternative in rebuilding United’s attacking options.