Manchester United Weigh Igor Matanović Transfer as Attack Plans Take Shape
Manchester United are exploring the market for added depth up front, with Caught Offside reporting that Freiburg striker Igor Matanović has been discussed internally at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old is viewed as a possible option for Michael Carrick as United assess how their forward line could look by the end of the window.
The current picture appears to hinge on Joshua Zirkzee. United already have Benjamin Sesko as their leading centre-forward, but uncertainty around Zirkzee has created space for fresh planning. As reported, “Man United have discussed a potential move for Matanović internally,” with the Croatian emerging after a productive campaign in Germany.
Matanović’s numbers will naturally draw attention. He “scored 15 goals for Freiburg last season” and, at 6ft 4in, offers a profile that can appeal to clubs wanting presence through the middle. The report notes that he “offers a physical profile similar to Sesko”, while also stressing that “he is more than simply a target man.” That feels important in any United assessment, particularly if Carrick wants varied options rather than like-for-like cover.
Matanović Transfer Linked to Zirkzee Decision
The Zirkzee situation remains central. Juventus have been linked strongly, and the suggestion is that if the Dutch forward goes, United would need “someone capable of providing genuine competition rather than leaving too much responsibility on Sesko.” That makes Matanović a practical rather than extravagant possibility.
Photo: IMAGO
There is also the point that “Tottenham are also monitoring him”, which could accelerate thinking if United decide he is the right fit. Still, the strongest line in the report may be the most measured one, “United do not need to rush.” For a club trying to make sharper decisions, that is a sensible stance.
Freiburg Striker Fits a Sensible Manchester United Profile
If Zirkzee stays, another young striker may only crowd the department. If he leaves, the logic becomes clearer. Matanović would give Carrick “another powerful focal point”, and his “mobility and finishing in Germany suggest there is considerable development potential.”
At this stage, the feeling is that United are keeping options active rather than driving full speed towards a deal. That is often how sound recruitment begins, with contingency plans mapped out before a major outgoing is finalised.
Our View
From a Manchester United perspective, this feels like the sort of move that makes sense only if Zirkzee goes. There is no issue with liking Matanović as a player. A 23-year-old striker who has scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga, has size, mobility and room to improve is exactly the kind of profile major clubs should be tracking. The bigger question is squad balance.
If Sesko is already the main striker, adding another young centre-forward without a departure could leave Carrick juggling too many similar development cases. United have done enough of that over the years, collecting talent without always creating the right pathway for it to thrive.
If Zirkzee leaves for Juventus, this becomes much more understandable. In that scenario, Matanović looks like a strong squad-building move, someone who can compete, develop and offer a different physical dimension across a long season. Supporters would probably accept that logic quickly, especially if the fee stayed reasonable.
The key is not getting dragged by outside pressure. “Tottenham are also monitoring him” should not force United into acting before they are ready. The club need more conviction in recruitment, not more panic. Keep the discussions alive, sort Zirkzee first, then decide. If events fall that way, Matanović could be one of those understated signings that looks smarter with time.