Manchester United invested heavily in midfield during a significant summer rebuild under Michael Carrick.
Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba arrived as part of an investment worth around £155 million. However, United’s early results have failed to match that substantial spending.
The Red Devils have collected only five points from their opening five Premier League matches. They also suffered an early Carabao Cup exit against Brighton.
Injuries have further complicated Carrick’s start, with £70 million signing Baleba yet to make his competitive debut. United are now assessing how to strengthen other areas of their squad.
Transfer News Live previously revealed that Manchester United are interested in Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic. Arsenal and Chelsea are also monitoring the 23-year-old Croatia international.
Their pursuit has now received an important boost. According to journalist Football Insider, Matanovic would welcome the opportunity to join Manchester United.
A move to the Premier League also appeals strongly to the Freiburg forward. Matanovic joined the Bundesliga club during the summer of 2025.
He has since recorded 21 goals and six assists across 57 appearances in all competitions. His current campaign has started particularly well.
Matanovic has scored six goals and supplied two assists in seven appearances. United’s interest comes as Carrick looks for greater depth at centre-forward.
Benjamin Sesko is currently their only senior natural striker and has suffered shin problems this season. Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee can operate centrally but are not natural number nines.
However, securing Matanovic during January could prove difficult. Freiburg are under no pressure to sanction a mid-season departure.
The German club are expected to demand around £50 million for their striker. However, Freiburg do not intend to sell him during January.
United could therefore have to wait until 2027, despite Matanovic being receptive to an Old Trafford move.
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