Manchester United Target Mateta and Sarr for January Moves

Manchester United are exploring potential January transfers for Crystal Palace forwards Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr as the club seeks additional attacking options to address Benjamin Sesko's injury problems. Updates published by Football365, Yahoo Sports and Yardbarker on October 20, 2026, indicate that United could pursue both players, with Mateta potentially available at a reduced fee because of his contract situation.

According to Football365, United are considering a double deal for the Palace attackers, while Yardbarker reported that Mateta would welcome a move to Old Trafford. The 29-year-old striker's contract is scheduled to expire in June 2027, although a dispute over its final portion has introduced uncertainty about the exact terms.

Mateta has scored 42 Premier League goals across the past three campaigns, according to Football365. His season-by-season record, reported by Yardbarker, includes 16 league goals in 2023-24, 14 in 2024-25 and 12 in 2025-26.

Injury has restricted his involvement this season. Yardbarker reported that the Frenchman had played only 92 minutes of Premier League football, while Yahoo Sports said he returned against Brighton after missing the first two months with a hamstring problem. Crystal Palace lost that match 5-0.

Mateta previously attracted substantial transfer interest, with Palace having rejected offers worth up to £50 million from Champions League clubs, according to Yardbarker. A proposed move to AC Milan collapsed during a medical in January, with concerns about his knee cited in the reports.

Yahoo Sports also reported that Palace had signed Jørgen Strand Larsen, potentially reducing the club's reliance on Mateta. With the striker unwilling to extend his stay, Palace could consider a January sale rather than risk receiving no transfer fee, depending on the contractual situation.

Manchester United's interest comes amid concerns over their limited options at center forward. The club signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £72 million, but his recurring fitness problems have left manager Michael Carrick without a consistently available natural replacement.

Sesko returned from a serious shin injury in August before suffering another setback weeks later. According to Yahoo Sports, his absence has affected United's attacking options, while Yardbarker reported that Bryan Mbeumo and Mateus Cunha have been asked to take on greater responsibility in central attacking roles despite being more accustomed to playing in wider positions.

Alex Crook of talkSPORT reported that United's leadership believes the club should have strengthened its attack more effectively during the summer transfer window. Football365, citing TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, separately identified Sarr as another Palace player under consideration.

Sarr, 28, recorded a career-best 21 goals across all competitions last season, according to Football365. The Senegal international attracted interest from Liverpool and Galatasaray during the previous preseason, but neither move materialized. Palace subsequently offered him an improved contract, although he has yet to commit to the new terms.

Newcastle and Sunderland have also been linked with Sarr, according to Football365. His ability to operate on either wing or as an emergency striker could provide United with additional attacking flexibility.

Mateta and Sarr are older than the players Manchester United have typically targeted during the INEOS era. However, their Premier League experience could appeal to a club seeking immediate reinforcements rather than relying exclusively on younger signings.

Mateta's fitness remains a significant consideration for United. His previous transfer to AC Milan collapsed following medical concerns, and his limited playing time this season leaves questions about his current condition. Any potential January move would depend on United's assessment of his fitness and the terms Palace are prepared to accept.