Man Utd news: New striker target named as club ‘close in’ on forward signing

Manchester United face a frantic final stretch of the transfer window with Michael Carrick under pressure to address multiple squad gaps before the September 1 deadline. After a humbling opening defeat to Hull City, the Red Devils have turned their attention to the striker market, with reports suggesting they are closing in on a deal for Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic. The 23-year-old Croatia international scored 15 goals last season, making him a compelling option to bolster a frontline that has struggled for consistency.

A striker hunt gathers pace as Zirkzee eyes exit

United’s recruitment has shifted focus after early attempts to reshape the midfield, highlighted by the £40m capture of Carlos Baleba. With Joshua Zirkzee’s future now in doubt, Carrick may need to act quickly to secure a replacement. The Dutch forward, who arrived from Bologna last summer, has found minutes hard to come by and is reportedly nearing a move away. Fiorentina are in advanced talks for a £4.2m loan with an option to buy, while Juventus are also monitoring the situation. The Serie A side see Zirkzee as an ideal successor to Moise Kean, who is set to leave for Como. Meanwhile, Matanovic has emerged as a primary target, with Spurs also tracking the forward. The race for his signature adds another layer of urgency to United’s deadline-day planning.

Deadline-day chaos: £69m double bid and Barcola’s potential move

The Red Devils are not the only club facing a frenetic final week. Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola remains unresolved, with the Paris Saint-Germain attacker still the subject of record-breaking offers. United, meanwhile, are reportedly preparing a £69m double bid for two top targets, though the identities of the players remain undisclosed. The window’s unpredictability extends beyond Old Trafford, with Julian Alvarez’s future at Atletico Madrid hanging in the balance amid a bitter dispute. Carrick’s squad faces further scrutiny after the Hull defeat, where United’s attacking limitations were exposed. A striker of Matanovic’s calibre could provide the cutting edge needed to turn the tide.

Tactical reset: Carrick’s midfield rebuild and the need for firepower

Carrick’s early transfer business has centred on midfield reinforcement, but the frontline remains a concern. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha offer versatility, yet neither has consistently filled the role of a traditional number nine. The club’s reliance on Zirkzee has backfired, and a more clinical option is required. Matanovic’s arrival would not only add goals but also provide competition for minutes in a squad that has lacked depth up front. The Freiburg striker’s ability to link play and finish could address United’s creative and finishing deficits. With the Champions League draw already set—featuring fixtures against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid—Carrick cannot afford to enter Europe’s premier competition without a reliable striker.

As the window tightens, United’s options are narrowing. The Matanovic pursuit signals a clear intent to address the most glaring weakness, but competition from Spurs and Fiorentina complicates matters. Zirkzee’s potential departure, whether to Fiorentina or Juventus, would further deplete United’s attacking ranks. Carrick’s next moves must be decisive, with the club’s European ambitions hanging in the balance. The final days of the window will determine whether United can turn their transfer frustrations into forward progress—or risk another season of unfulfilled potential.