Manchester United have placed the vast majority of their focus on landing midfield talents this summer – and rightly so after Casemiro’s departure at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Brazilian’s departure heightened the need for new arrivals, which saw Michael Carrick’s men spend over £150m on three new additions this summer.
Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have all arrived at Old Trafford this summer, with the hierarchy’s overhaul of the midfield department now complete.
Such a situation is extremely similar to last summer’s recruitment, which saw another area of the Red Devils squad massively bolstered to try and bring added success.
Why Mbeumo & Cunha were worth every penny for United
12 months ago, United placed a huge importance on landing attacking reinforcements to improve the senior ranks after finishing 15th in the Premier League the year prior.
Matheus Cunha arrived in a deal worth £62m from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Brazilian’s versatility playing a huge part in the aforementioned deal.
The 27-year-old, who can play in any of the four attacking positions, made an immediate impact on life at Old Trafford, subsequently scoring 10 times in his 33 league outings last term.
He was joined in the final third by Bryan Mbeumo, who also cost a small fortune last summer, with the Cameroonian arriving from fellow Premier League side Brentford.
|
Man Utd top PL scorers in 2025/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Goals |
|
1) Bryan Mbeumo |
11 |
|
2) Benjamin Sesko |
11 |
|
3) Matheus Cunha |
10 |
|
4) Bruno Fernandes |
9 |
|
5) Casemiro |
9 |
|
6) Patrick Dorgu |
4 |
Eyebrows were raised when the Red Devils paid £71m for his services, but like Cunha, he made an immediate impact upon his big-money move to Old Trafford.
He netted 11 goals during his first campaign in Manchester, subsequently ending the year as the club’s joint-top scorer alongside fellow new arrival Benjamin Sesko.
Both players’ impact in the senior ranks last term simply can’t be understated, with the club’s return to the Champions League undoubtedly as a result of their tremendous recent efforts.
How United can land an upgrade on Cunha & Mbeumo
Despite both players being signed to improve the wide areas in Manchester, the big-money signings have both filled in at the top end of the pitch and operated as a false nine.
Undoubtedly, the two additions are better when operating in their natural positions, but Sesko’s recent absence has seen the pair have to feature out of position.
As a result, the hierarchy have subsequently been exploring move for added centre-forward depth, which has seen Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta appear on their radar.
CaughtOffside have provided the latest on the Red Devils’ transfer efforts, stating that Carrick’s men have been monitoring a deal over the last couple of weeks.
However, other sides are also keen on the French international, with the likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also firmly in the mix ahead of the transfer deadline.
The report does state that United won’t ‘submit an official bid’ unless one of Marcus Rashford or Joshua Zirkzee is to leave, albeit with the latter seemingly heading to Fiorentina by all accounts.
It’s unclear how much a deal could cost the Red Devils, but it’s certain that Mateta is a player who will inject needed depth and quality into the attacking department.
His stats from the Premier League last season showcase his quality within forward areas and highlight why he’s better suited to the role than Cunha and Mbeumo.
The Palace star managed to register an impressive tally of 1.3 shots on target per 90 – placing him above both of the United stars and 78% of other attackers in England’s top-flight.
Mateta also managed to win 46% of his aerial battles last term, with neither of the big-money United signings getting near such a tally in 2025/26.
Such a skillset is vital in Carrick’s system, with the Frenchman able to provide a focal point to play off – which could see Cunha and Mbeumo actually improve their own tallies.
Mateta’s dominance over the pair is showcased in his higher goal tally from last season – which could hand the Red Devils the added attacking depth they are craving in 2026/27.
The interest from other sides in the Premier League could hand United an uphill battle to secure his services, but it’s a move the club should desperately be looking to make.
His experience and quality in such a division will make him an immediate threat to other sides and hand Carrick the tools needed to better last season’s finish.
It would also allow Mbeumo and Cunha the chance to feature in a more natural role, which could see the pair reach the next level once again in the months ahead.
