Crystal Palace Forward on Manchester United Radar Amid Delap Uncertainty | OneFootball

Manchester United Eye Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta as Liam Delap Backup

Manchester United’s summer transfer plans are beginning to take shape, and according to GIVEMESPORT sources, Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a potential reinforcement. While Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap remains the primary target, the Red Devils are moving swiftly to line up alternatives.

Uncertainty Surrounding Delap Forces United to Act

United’s hopes of signing Delap have been clouded by uncertainty. “It’s understood that United don’t currently know where they stand in the race to sign Delap, and if they are unable to secure his signature this summer, they will need to come up with a new plan.” This situation has prompted swift action from the Old Trafford hierarchy, particularly in identifying Wolves’ Matheus Cunha as another versatile option capable of playing across the forward line.

The precarious position surrounding Delap — boosted by his £30 million release clause activated by Ipswich’s relegation — could trigger a highly competitive market, with several clubs circling.

Mateta Positioned as a Key Option

While United’s intention is to use Cunha as an attacking midfielder, the door remains open for Mateta should the Delap pursuit fall through. “Manchester United are actively exploring attacking reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window, with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta emerging as a potential option, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.”

Photo: IMAGO

Palace are understood to be negotiating a new deal with the Frenchman. However, should terms fail to be agreed, Mateta, “who has been described as ‘one of the best strikers in the Premier League’,” may well be enticed by the lure of Old Trafford.

United’s Transfer Approach Reveals New Strategy

The aggressive pursuit of multiple options underlines a shift in United’s approach. No longer willing to put all their eggs in one basket, the club are making clear contingency plans. GIVEMESPORT sources confirmed, “the uncertainty surrounding Delap is the reason they are moving so fast for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian capable of playing in a centre-forward role.”

United fans will be intrigued by these developments as the club seeks to reshape its attack for the 2025/26 season, potentially adding proven Premier League quality to its ranks.

Our View – EPL Index

As an excited Manchester United supporter, it’s refreshing to see a more proactive transfer strategy emerging from Old Trafford. Gone are the days of banking everything on one big signing and watching negotiations drag on painfully all summer.

The fact that United are seriously weighing up Jean-Philippe Mateta — described as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” — is hugely encouraging. His physicality, finishing ability, and work rate could be just what the current squad needs, especially after underwhelming returns from Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Equally, the idea of Matheus Cunha coming in to play as an attacking midfielder offers a fascinating tactical evolution under Erik ten Hag (or whoever may be in charge if changes occur). It points to a future where United are less predictable and more dangerous in the final third.

Of course, Palace won’t easily let Mateta go, and if they manage to tie him down to a new deal, it might force United to look elsewhere. But seeing United acting early, thinking creatively, and preparing backup plans like this? It feels like a genuine step forward compared to previous chaotic windows.

There’s still a long way to go, but for once, the optimism feels a little more justified.