The Manchester United striker search has taken on renewed urgency following Joshua Zirkzee’s latest outing in a red shirt.
When the Dutch forward was withdrawn at half-time during the recent draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite finding the net, it underlined the uncertain position he now occupies at Old Trafford.
For a player who arrived with expectation, the substitution felt symbolic, offering a clear snapshot of where his Manchester United career currently stands.
Zirkzee’s future appears increasingly fragile. With AS Roma monitoring his situation closely, a January exit is a realistic possibility.
However, any departure would leave United dangerously light in attacking areas, intensifying the Manchester United striker search at a difficult point in the season.
A Thin Forward Line Raises Questions
At present, Benjamin Sesko stands as United’s only recognised centre-forward.
While Zirkzee is listed in the same role, his performances have repeatedly shown that he is more effective when operating away from the focal point of the attack.
Asking him to lead the line has not delivered consistent results, and that limitation has become increasingly clear.
Beyond those two options, there is little immediate cover.
Young Chido Obi represents potential for the future, but the teenager is not yet ready to shoulder first-team responsibility.
His development remains a long-term project rather than a short-term solution, further complicating the Manchester United striker search.
Should Zirkzee depart, United would be forced into the market.
Yet the January window is notoriously unforgiving, particularly when it comes to finding a reliable goalscorer.
Proven strikers are rarely available mid-season, and those who are tend to command significant fees.
Limited Options in a Difficult Market
In an ideal scenario, United would be looking for a forward capable of making an immediate impact.
Antoine Semenyo briefly appeared to fit that profile, standing out as an unusual opportunity during the winter window.
However, that route now looks closed, with Manchester City moving ahead in the race for his signature.
That development has narrowed the field considerably.
As a result, the Manchester United striker search has shifted towards players already established in the Premier League, reducing the risks associated with adaptation and form.
Why Mateta Fits the Profile
One name that has surfaced in reports from MEN is Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
From a tactical and stylistic perspective, his profile aligns neatly with United’s recent recruitment approach.
The club’s summer business highlighted a preference for players capable of stepping straight into Premier League football, a principle publicly referenced by Jason Wilcox.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are examples of that thinking in action, both having delivered strong performances this season.
Mateta would represent a continuation of that strategy, making his emergence in the Manchester United striker search understandable.
His performances against United have not gone unnoticed either. At Selhurst Park earlier in the campaign, Mateta delivered one of the most dominant centre-forward displays United have faced this season.
Matthijs de Ligt, who has otherwise been a dependable figure under Ruben Amorim, found the contest particularly challenging.
Tactical Familiarity Under Amorim
Another factor working in Mateta’s favour is his familiarity with a 3-4-2-1 system.
This tactical understanding would ease any transition to Amorim’s setup, reducing the bedding-in period typically associated with mid-season signings.
For a club under pressure to stabilise results quickly, that adaptability is a valuable asset within the Manchester United striker search.
Mateta’s physical presence, ability to occupy defenders, and experience in leading the line would also help alleviate the burden currently resting on Sesko.
While Sesko remains a player of significant promise, he would benefit from sharing attacking responsibility rather than carrying it alone.
The Price Tag Problem
Despite these positives, the Mateta option is not without complications.
Reports during the summer indicated that Crystal Palace rejected offers in the region of £50 million from Champions League clubs.
That valuation is likely to remain unchanged, whether United pursue a move in January or wait until the summer.
For United, that figure presents a significant obstacle.
Mateta turns 29 in June, and a fee of that magnitude does not align comfortably with the financial approach expected under Ineos.
Investing heavily in a player with limited resale value runs counter to the club’s current strategy, even within the context of an urgent Manchester United striker search.
Any move would therefore require Palace to lower their demands considerably. Without such flexibility, the deal risks becoming financially unviable, regardless of how well Mateta fits on the pitch.
Experience Versus Long-Term Planning
There is no question that Premier League experience carries a premium, particularly for a United side lacking it in forward areas.
However, experience alone cannot justify a fee that restricts future recruitment. The balance between short-term needs and long-term planning remains delicate.
Sesko’s development would undoubtedly benefit from the presence of an experienced partner, but committing £50 million to achieve that may not represent the smartest use of resources.
As a result, the Manchester United striker search may yet move in a different direction if Palace hold firm.
A Deal That May Have to Wait
For now, Mateta remains an appealing but complicated option. His suitability is clear, but the financial reality may place the transfer beyond reach, particularly in January.
If United can avoid losing Zirkzee this winter, they may prefer to revisit the situation in the summer, when the market is broader and negotiations less pressured.
Until then, the Manchester United striker search continues, shaped by limited options, financial restraint, and the need for immediate impact.
Whether Mateta becomes the answer or remains an unattainable solution will depend largely on Palace’s stance and United’s willingness to compromise.
