“Exit is inevitable”: PL goal machine must be offloaded by crisis club, it’s great news for United – report

Manchester United have been handed a game-changing advantage in their hopes to secure the services of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Mateta on United’s radar United have tracked Mateta since last year, following his rise as a proven and deadly Premier League goalscorer. His tally of 16 Premier League goals in the 2023/24 season was succeeded by 14 in the subsequent campaign, a period in which he also helped secure Crystal Palace’s FA Cup victory against Manchester City. So far this term, Mateta has notched eight goals in 23 top-flight appearances. Last summer, he was mentioned to be of interest to United but the club ended up signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig instead. There were suggestions that a January move was on the cards but United made no signings, only sanctioning loan exits for some of their youngsters. During the winter window, intense speculation surrounded Mateta’s future. A move to AC Milan was close, only to collapse after he failed his medical. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Palace’s signing of Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers could potentially open the door to United finally landing Mateta, who was poised to join Milan for £30m. Now, Football Insider say that Palace are slowly becoming resigned to the possibility that they may have to let Mateta go for less than the stated £30m sum. Mateta latest According to the news outlet, “Crystal Palace have accepted that they will have to lower their £30million valuation of Jean-Philippe Mateta in the summer.” “The striker is entering the final year of his contract in the summer, and Palace are ready to accept a cut-price offer for him to ensure that he cannot run the remainder of his contract down.” It’s understood that Palace have conceded that Mateta’s “exit is inevitable.” Football Insider add that Mateta’s current focus is on getting fully fit for the World Cup. Earlier on Tuesday, Palace boss Oliver Glasner issued a fitness update on the Frenchman, indicating that his knee injury is “not as bad as feared.” Glasner confirmed that Mateta will not need surgery to correct the problem. With reports of a much lower asking price, United are sure to be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding the 28-year-old. Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!