Ever since the last few seasons, Manchester United has experienced some challenges with respect to a reliable center-forward. The club has tried to contract multiple strikers but the consistency in scoring goals has been a common challenge. As the summer transfer market opens, one name being monitored is Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose performance throughout the season has been decent.
Mateta’s Strengths and Playing Style
Mateta being 6 foot 4 gives him an advantage over other forwards, especially when it comes to defending. His size would provide an advantage for Manchester United and Mateta has also been known for his striking abilities. Moreover, he also possesses decent footwork for a player of his size, much like how an online casino balances both high-stakes excitement and strategic play to keep players engaged.
Mateta is not a one dimensional poacher forward - he has the skill to score goals with head, powerful foot strikes, and from outside the box. Mateta also possesses ball delivery skills and has the agility to kick the ball from any angle inside the box.
Could Mateta Thrive in United’s System?
There is plenty of talent within the current Manchester United squad, but the forward line still seems to be a work in progress. The club signed Rasmus Højlund as a more perennial option, and while the Danish has shown some signs of life, he is a work in progress. Anthony Martial’s injury woes and the inconsistent form of Marcus Rashford have left gaps that need filling.
Mateta would provide a switch from Højlund and a different tactical look for the manager. If United goes for a system favoring two strikers, Mateta’s size would suit a more agile attacker. From a lone center striking position, he would have to be provided with reliable servicing from the flanks, which has been a major concern for some of United’s wingers.
At Crystal Palace, Mateta has excelled operating within a Counter Attack where he makes well timed runs to break the line while shielding the ball from defenders using his strength. Conversely, United tends to get more of the bottom half teams that just sit back and defend in packs. Should he make the move to Old Trafford, there will be a need for some level of patience when it comes to breaking down defenses.
Is Mateta the Right Fit?
Mateta’s pondering prospective transfer has received mixed reviews, but the most concerning one seems to be whether he can spearhead the attack for a team of United’s magnitude. It has been productive for him in the past and even at Crystal Palace but moving to a club considered elite is a different beast altogether. Just because a player has one good season in the Premier League does not guarantee that he will succeed at a big club in the long-term.
Other than that, Mateta’s playing tendencies are not exactly in sync with United’s quick, fluid and fast-paced attacking style. He strikes me as more of a conventional number nine, which presents advantages in some scenarios, but drawbacks in many others. For a team seeking to dominate opposing defenses, United might find it necessary to seek other options should they wish to fill the void of a more diverse forward.
Having said that, in the past, United has put to good use a diverse attacking setup. With their inclusion, United got a dose of experience, brute force, and finishing like never before through Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani, who unlocked aspects of Mateta’s game that he was not aware of. Of course, he is unlikely to be one of the big signings some supporters wish for, but a sensible choice no doubt.
A Smart Signing or a Risky Gamble?
Over the last few years, United’s recruitment strategy has at best been erratic, with different transfers yielding various results, some falling below their benchmarks. While Mateta is a known commodity as a Premier League forward, he does not guarantee success at Old Trafford. The club needs to consider its advantages as well as how he would cope with the pressure of adapting to a different approach as well as the commanding role of a center forward for Manchester United.
In the end, his signing would be contingent on what plans United have in place. For a team searching for dependable rotational options who can also serve as a backup forward, Mateta could be a smart acquisition. Otherwise, if they are looking to completely revamp their offensive unit with an elite forward, then perhaps the team will need to find someone else.
In Closing
The possible transfer of Jean-Philippe Mateta to Manchester United sparks a controversy regarding the kind of forward the club actually needs. The 25-year-old Frenchman undeniably brings forth an undeniable advantage with his physicality, finishing, and work rate fit for Premier League football. The challenge, however, is whether he can live up to the standards of one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Mateta has the potential to be a great addition, provided the right role and resources are provided. That said, United must decide if he is truly the solution to their mounting issues in the attacking department or just another band-aid waiting to score before being discarded.
