United must act decisively in January to snap up elite goalscorer who would drive European qualification dreams – opinion

Manchester United have struggled for goals for what seems like an age. These problems seemed to be addressed with the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in the summer. Nonetheless, the last two performances at Old Trafford do not demonstrate a team that is efficient in front of goal. A 0-1 loss at home to Everton and a 1-1 draw with West Ham United last night laid bare United’s attacking shortcomings. It is still too early to judge the signing of Sesko, as he has spent the last few weeks out injured. Moreover, he has scored two goals and has brought more to the table than Rasmus Hojlund. Nonetheless, not many would call the transfer a rip-roaring success. Even the Slovenian’s biggest admirers would admit he will need time to settle into the role as United’s starting number nine. Experience needed Therefore, United need to add experience to their attack, and they have the perfect solution available right under their noses: Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman is 28 years old and has been around the block. What’s more, he has spent four years in English football, so he knows exactly what he is getting himself into. Premier League success There has been much talk that United are prioritising Premier League-based players who have proven themselves in the league. Cunha and Mbeumo are examples of this, and Mateta would fit this strategy like a glove. He hit 19 goals in 2023-2024, 17 last season, and already has nine in 22 matches this season in all competitions. All in all, he has scored 55 goals in England and has been consistently one of the better strikers in the country for over two years. Performs versus United United have always kept a close eye on players who have done well against them, and this surely aided Cunha’s cause when the club decided to sign him in the summer. Mateta has always been good against the Old Trafford side. He scored a brace in February at The Theatre of Dreams, and he scored last weekend in United’s 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park. All in all, he has four goals in seven appearances against United. Available Crucially, the French star is available. Recent reports suggest that talks over a new deal have stalled. This means his current deal ends in June 2027. If he has no desire to sign a new contract, his value will only decrease and make him even more affordable. What’s more, United have money to spend, and if none of their first-choice midfielders are available in January, they would be wise to siphon the money to the striker department. A move for an experienced striker would not only provide more support for Sesko, but it could also fuel United’s European ambitions. The league is so tight at the moment that only a few points could determine if United secure Champions League football or fall back into the bottom half. Mateta’s guaranteed goals would certainly sway the odds in United’s favour. Jean-Philippe Mateta stats in England SeasonAppearancesGoalsAssistsMinutes 2021-202228711573 2022-202333401014 2023-2024391962574 2024-2025461743301 2025-202623921865 Source: transfermarkt.com Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images