Manchester United should consider signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to Paul Merson.
The French forward has been in top form, scoring six goals in his last five games, including a brace in Palace’s 2-0 win over United.
Merson thinks Mateta’s physicality and work ethic make him a perfect fit for United, especially after Ruben Amorim’s controversial decision to start midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a makeshift striker while leaving Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench.
Despite spending £70m on Hojlund, United’s attack has struggled, with the Danish striker managing just two league goals this season.
Merson insists Mateta would be a more effective short-term solution, though he doubts United will pursue him due to his club.
“They won’t because he plays for Palace,” Merson said. “But he’s 100 times better than what they have right now.”
While Merson acknowledges Hojlund’s potential, he argues that United’s lack of creative support limits the young striker’s impact.
He compared the situation to Erling Haaland’s reliance on top-tier playmakers like Kevin De Bruyne.
Meanwhile, former manager Tim Sherwood criticized United’s transfer policy, claiming they “missed a trick” by not signing Harry Kane and Declan Rice.
He believes those two players would have transformed the club’s mentality and performances.
With United struggling to find consistent goal scorers, will they take Merson’s advice and make a move for Mateta?