They want it all, but sign no one – Man United have set their sights on Mateta

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Crystal Palace striker approaching the final year of his contract and no breakthrough yet in renewal talks. The French forward’s situation is unresolved, and that uncertainty has put several clubs on alert.

According to Sky Sports, United have a long-standing admiration for Mateta and are monitoring developments at Selhurst Park. While the club are not planning to recruit a new striker during the January window, they are ready to move should the 26-year-old become available.

Mateta’s deal runs out next summer, and negotiations over an extension have stalled. Palace were previously reported to have turned down offers of up to 50 million pounds, although it remains unclear whether that valuation still stands.

Mateta’s future could also hinge on managerial stability at Palace, with Oliver Glasner yet to confirm whether he will stay beyond the current campaign. In parallel, Palace have strengthened their attacking options by agreeing a deal for Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson, a move that could ease the burden on Mateta up front.

On the pitch, the striker has continued to deliver. He has already scored eight goals in 19 starts this season, following goal returns of 17 in 46 matches last year and 19 in 39 games during the 2023–24 campaign. Mateta has previously spoken of his ambition to play in the Champions League, raising further questions over whether Palace would consider a mid-season sale.

United, meanwhile, are said to be observing from a distance, aware of competition that has included Tottenham, who ultimately opted to bring in Randal Kolo Muani on loan. The Red Devils’ priority remains the search for a defensive midfielder, a deal they would prefer to complete in the summer.

Head coach Ruben Amorim has underlined that United will only act in January if the right opportunity presents itself.

“The only thing we will try to bring now – and at the end of the season – are players that are perfect for our future,” he said ahead of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 20

Saturday

15.30: (1.78) Aston Villa (3.60) Nott.Forest (4.70)

18.00: (1.53) Brighton (4.30) Burnley (7.00)

18.00: (2.55) Wolverhampton (3.40) West Ham (2.95)

20.30: (6.50) Bournemouth (4.30) Arsenal (1.50)

Sunday

15.30: (2.75) Leeds (3.25) Man.Utd. (2.65)

18.00: (2.40) Everton (3.30) Brentford (3.25)

18.00: (3.80) Fulham (3.50) Liverpool (2.00)

18.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.60) Crystal Palace (5.30)

18.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.60) Sunderland (4.80)

20.30: (1.65) Man.City (4.20) Chelsea (5.60)

***odds are subject to change***