United’s pursuit of 6’3 French bulldozer at risk after CL rival launches surprise hijack – David Ornstein

Manchester United risk losing out on Jean-Philippe Mateta in a move which constitutes a deadly double blow at Old Trafford, according to the latest report. Target Man The Red Devils have maintained a long-standing interest in the Crystal Palace frontman after two consecutive impressive campaigns at Selhurst Park. In Mateta’s debut season, he scored 16 goals and provided five assists. He followed this up with another 14 goals and two assists last year, and the Frenchman is currently on eight this season. In addition to his lethality in the opposition box, he possesses a broad 6’3″ frame, yet retains surprising speed for such an imposing figure. His hold-up play and ability to bring teammates into the game are underrated. United were strongly linked with a move last summer as a cheaper alternative, should the primary targets not be available or snapped up elsewhere, after Mateta helped fire Palace to an unlikely FA Cup triumph. An initial pursuit of Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap was unsuccessful, as the 22-year-old Englishman picked Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford. This rejection led to a pivot towards Benjamin Sesko, with United agreeing a £74 million deal ahead of Newcastle United for the RB Leipzig striker. United’s interest in Mateta has not wavered this season, however, with a report relayed by The Peoples Person over Christmas revealing a move was in the works for the January transfer window. The poor form of Joshua Zirkzee will have only strengthened INEOS’s resolve to find a more experienced forward to share the burden with the 22-year-old Sesko. Mateta’s contract expires in 2027, meaning this year would have been Palace’s last chance to cash in, further increasing United’s chances of striking a deal. However, Aston Villa are ready to jump the queue for the hulking forward, with David Ornstein revealing the Birmingham side have an ace up their sleeve to do so. A Sweetener Palace are understood to be asking for a figure in the region of £34 million for Mateta – a price Serie A giants Juventus baulked at, and one United would be similarly hesitant to pay.  However, Ornstein states Villa are willing to include Ivorian striker Evann Guessand – a long-term target at Selhurst Park – as a makeweight, which the Eagles are said to be “weighing up” given it will provide them an immediate replacement for their departing forward.  If Villa are successful in their pursuit of Mateta, it will deprive United of an excellent complement to Sesko, while also strengthening one of the club’s direct rivals for Champions League qualification this season. Unai Emery’s side are currently third, eight points clear of the Red Devils in fifth. However, they have been drastically overperforming their xG (expected goals), meaning the likelihood of a drop-off is high. This would give United another team to aim for to knock out of the top four. The arrival of a potent centre-forward at Villa Park would go some way towards preventing this, however, while also maintaining Zirkzee’s ineffective place in Michael Carrick’s squad. Featured image Julian Finney 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.