United's Pursuit of Matanovic: The Ideal No 9 Replacement
United’s search for a new No 9 has become one of the most intriguing subplots of the window – and it now revolves around a towering Croatian with a rising reputation.
Life after Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee is edging towards the exit, his time at Old Trafford fizzling out rather than catching fire. Nine goals in 75 appearances tells its own story. A difficult spell in England, a player who never quite imposed himself, and now a return to Serie A is on the cards.
Fiorentina are advancing in talks over a season-long loan, and the Dutch forward is pushing to leave. United are willing. They need room in the squad and room on the wage bill. Michael Carrick needs a different focal point.
The sale of Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli had already left United light through the middle. The recent 2-0 defeat to Hull City underlined it brutally. United moved the ball, they had territory, but they lacked bite. Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba have added control in midfield; there is no comparable upgrade at centre-forward.
So the club has turned its gaze to Freiburg – and to a striker built in a very different mould.
Matanovic at the centre of a tug-of-war
Standing at 6ft 5in, Smail Prevljak Matanovic has emerged, in the eyes of United’s recruitment team and in the pages of La Gazzetta dello Sport, as the ideal replacement. A classic penalty-box presence with modern mobility. A target, a reference point, a problem for centre-backs.
His first season at Freiburg, after a £6.9m move from Eintracht Frankfurt, was quietly impressive and then impossible to ignore. Fifteen goals in all competitions, a run that helped Julian Schuster’s side reach the Europa League final, where they fell to Aston Villa. No trophy, but a statement campaign.
His stock has climbed again at the start of this season. He drew a blank in three World Cup appearances in the summer, but any questions about his ceiling have been met with a sharp response. He has opened the new campaign in ruthless fashion, including a brace in Freiburg’s DFB-Pokal win over Dusseldorf. Those who wanted to see whether he could carry a team’s attack have their answer.
That form has not gone unnoticed. The race for his signature is anything but straightforward.
Tottenham are firmly in the frame. Roberto De Zerbi wants more height and presence at the top of the pitch, even with Dominic Solanke and Richarlison already in his squad. For a coach obsessed with structure and patterns, a dominant No 9 who can pin defenders and attack crosses offers a different kind of weapon.
United, Spurs, Freiburg – and then Fiorentina step back into the picture.
Fiorentina’s domino effect
La Viola are at the heart of this transfer chain. They are pushing for Zirkzee, but they are also tracking Matanovic as a potential alternative. Fabio Grosso’s side are scouring the market for a replacement for Moise Kean, who is set to join Cesc Fabregas at Como.
If talks for Zirkzee were to stall, Fiorentina are ready to pivot. Matanovic, in that scenario, becomes more than a name on a list. He becomes the focal point of a three-way fight.
United want him as the new spearhead of Carrick’s attack. Tottenham see him as the next piece in De Zerbi’s rebuild. Fiorentina could yet decide he is the man to lead their line in Serie A if they cannot close the Zirkzee deal.
One decision in Florence, one hitch in negotiations, and the entire merry-go-round spins faster.
United’s new look up front
For United, this is about more than numbers. It is about identity. The arrival of Matanovic would mark a clear shift towards a more physical, old-school presence up front – with a modern twist.
At 23, with European pedigree and a growing international profile, he fits the age profile of a squad being reshaped rather than patched up. He has already drawn comparisons to Mario Mandzukic: aggressive in the air, relentless in duels, and willing to do the ugly work as well as score the decisive goals.
The timing is tight. Negotiations over Zirkzee’s loan to Fiorentina are progressing, and United know they must move quickly once that deal is finalised. Offload the Dutchman, unlock funds and a squad slot, and launch a formal bid before Tuesday’s deadline. Miss that window, and they risk watching Matanovic walk into another dressing room in the Premier League – or back into Serie A.
The pressure is building on all sides. A club trying to redefine its attack. A coach in Carrick who needs a focal point to turn possession into purpose. A striker ready for a bigger stage. And rivals circling, sensing the same opportunity.
When the window closes, will Matanovic be the man leading the line at Old Trafford – or the one that got away?
