BACK Dylan Oakley Nov 26th 2025 Man United have been told by a former Premier League defender that they should sign a striker for £43m in January. The Red Devils tasted a disappointing defeat over the weekend as they lost 1-0 to Everton on Monday night football. Ruben Amorim hopes his side can bounce back this week, but it won’t be easy as they face off against Crystal Palace. Furthermore, United are without their first-choice striker at the moment, as Benjamin Sesko is currently injured and expected to be out of action for at least a few weeks, which will be a big loss for Amorim. Seeing as reports have said that Joshua Zirkzee could be sold in the transfer window, Man United could potentially look to bring a striker in to replace the Dutchman. Sagna says Man United should sign Mateta The Red Devils have been linked to virtually every top striker in world football over the past few years, one of those is Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has become one of the best in the Premier League. Former Premier League defender Bacary Sagna has said that United should sign Mateta as it would make sense both for the Red Devils and for the French striker himself. Sagna told Oddspedia: “It would make sense if Jean-Philippe Mateta went to Manchester United. They don’t really have a number nine who is tall, can hold the ball and can get on the end of crosses. “It could be difficult for him as a new player coming into a club where there are a lot of new players and transferring his skills across from Crystal Palace, but a move to Old Trafford would be good for him and the club.” Previous reports have said that Palace would like to sign the 28-year-old onto a new contract at Selhurst Park, but if they were to sell him, he would likely cost around £43m. “It will also be difficult for Palace to keep hold of him,” Sagna added, “and it’s the right moment for him to move if he wants the test of playing for one of the biggest teams in the Premier League. He’s not a young player anymore and it might be one of the last moves of his career, so he will probably push for it if the opportunity arises.” So far this season, Mateta has scored six goals in 12 Premier League games, making him the joint-fourth top scorer in the division. Click here to see Man United’s current first team squad heading into January.





