Manchester United are preparing for a pivotal Premier League clash with Everton this Monday, riding the wave of their first five-match unbeaten run under manager Ruben Amorim. This resurgence comes after a rocky start to the season, which included a shocking Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town.
A victory against the Toffees at Old Trafford could propel the Red Devils into the coveted Champions League places, marking a significant turning point in their campaign. Despite the improved form, the pragmatic Amorim is already looking ahead to the January transfer window to bolster his squad for a sustained top-four challenge.
Striker Search: United's Interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta Reignites
Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a key target for Manchester United after the club held discussions with his representatives earlier this year. While United ultimately signed Benjamin Sesko for £74 million in the summer, Sesko's recent injury has prompted the club to re-evaluate their striking options.
The situation at Selhurst Park is fluid, with Mateta and Palace engaging in crunch talks over a contract extension. The 28-year-old French international has 18 months remaining on his current deal, and it was previously reported that the Eagles would demand a fee in the region of £40 million to sell him.
Mateta, who has scored 16 and 14 goals in the last two seasons respectively, has previously expressed his ambition to play for an elite club. He told RMC Sport, "It's natural, every ambitious player wants to reach that milestone. Especially when you arrive in the national team and around you, there are only players who play in the Champions League... naturally you want to reach that milestone."
The Kobbie Mainoo Conundrum: Frustration and Financial Silver Lining
While potential new signings are discussed, a homegrown talent is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford. Kobbie Mainoo, the 20-year-old midfield prodigy, is frustrated with his lack of game time under Amorim this season.
Despite a breakthrough 2023/24 campaign, Mainoo is yet to start a single Premier League game this term, making only seven substitute appearances. Amorim has consistently preferred the midfield pairing of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, or Manuel Ugarte, pushing the academy graduate towards the exit door.
However, his potential departure in January or next summer presents a significant financial advantage for the club. As a product of the club's youth system, any transfer fee received for Mainoo would be counted as "pure profit" on the club's books.
Football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley explained this crucial benefit, telling Football Insider, "We saw this in the summer with PSR and Manchester United... If this were to go through, I think PSR is probably not the sole driver. Of course, it does benefit Manchester United in that sense as well, because you can book that as pure profit and you can book it in the year that it occurs." This is a major consideration for a club carrying a £1 billion debt.
Injury Update Ahead of Everton Clash
Ahead of the crucial Monday night fixture, manager Ruben Amorim has issued a triple injury update. While new signing Benjamin Sesko is ruled out for several weeks, two other first-team stars have also been confirmed as unavailable for the match against Everton, adding another layer of challenge as United look to maintain their impressive unbeaten streak.
