Why Man Utd want to sign ‘one of Europe’s best strikers’

Last summer’s transfer window saw Manchester United make attacking reinforcements a priority to try and mount a charge for a place in the Premier League’s top-five.

INEOS splashed over £200m on the signatures of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko – resulting in a new-look front three for the 2025/26 campaign.

Whilst hefty funds were splashed on the aforementioned talents, such an investment was worthwhile as the trio netted 32 top-flight goals between them last term.

They all ended their debut campaign as the Red Devils’ top three scorers, with Sesko and Mbeumo tied at the top of the goalscoring charts with 11 efforts each.

However, despite their immediate impact at Old Trafford, the attacking stars have a long way to go before they emulate the success of one player in Manchester.

Why Van Persie is one of United’s most underrated attackers

Back in the summer of 2012, United completed the £24m signing of striker Robin van Persie from rivals Arsenal – a deal which caused huge controversy with the Gunners faithful.

The Dutchman was seen as the perfect attacking signing to provide added success for the Red Devils under Sir Alex Ferguson’s guidance at Old Trafford.

Such a deal is undoubtedly one of the best in the club’s 148-year history – as he made an immediate impact after his transfer and helped the club secure Premier League glory.

Van Persie netted 30 goals in his 48 appearances during his debut campaign for the Red Devils – 26 of which came in England’s top-flight and saw him finish the season as the division’s top-scorer.

The Dutchman would spend another two seasons at the Theatre of Dreams, subsequently scoring 28 times in his 57 outings – maintaining his incredible goalscoring record after his move from Arsenal.

He ended his time in Manchester with 58 goals in his 105 appearances across all competitions – a record which saw him find the back of the net once every 1.8 matches.

The now 42-year-old undoubtedly provided value for money – even being considered as a bargain – with such a deal seeing United land a player who impressed during the prime years of his career.

Man Utd now looking to sign their next Van Persie

The transfer market is in a completely different place at present than it was 14 years ago – with mammoth funds needed to secure top-level talents.

United’s £200m spending spree last summer is evidence of how much times have changed, with none of the attacking trio arriving for less than £60m.

However, there are still bargains to be had despite the heavy spending, with a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta undoubtedly falling into that category.

It has been reported by journalist Rudy Galetti that Michael Carrick’s men are advancing talks to land the French international this summer.

He also reported that the 29-year-old attacker only has one year remaining on his current deal at Selhurst Park and could be available for as little as £25m.

Whilst Sesko undoubtedly remains the Red Devils’ number one centre-forward option, a deal for Mateta could see United land a proven Premier League talisman – just as they did with Van Persie.

He’s a player who’s entering the prime years of his career at the top level, but it hasn’t stopped him from catching the eye and producing some impressive figures in the final third.

Mateta, who’s been dubbed “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney, has netted a staggering 52 goals across all competitions in the last three seasons.

He even netted 12 goals in England’s top-flight last campaign, subsequently outscoring new addition Sesko after his £70m transfer from RB Leipzig last summer.

Beyond his incredible goalscoring numbers, the Palace star also caught the eye with his tremendous hold-up play – subsequently winning 2.7 aerial duels per 90 throughout 2025/26.

His ability in the air could see him be the perfect focal point for Carrick’s men, which in turn could allow the likes of Mbeumo and Cunha to improve their own goalscoring tallies next season.

£25m for a player with his Premier League experience and calibre in front of goal would be yet another tremendous piece of business by INEOS and United.

Like Van Persie’s move 14 years ago, it would see the club land a player from a fellow side in England’s top-division to try and help the club secure domestic success.

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by the Dutchman at Old Trafford, it would be another bargain deal and one which could prove to make the difference for Carrick’s men throughout 2026/27.