Manchester United Target Igor Matanovic as Zirkzee's Future Uncertain
Manchester United’s summer rebuild has been built on midfield steel and quiet pragmatism. Now, with the window ticking towards its frantic finale, the conversation is turning sharply towards a No 9 – and a 21-year-old being talked up as Croatia’s heir to Mario Mandzukic.
United are weighing a move for Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic, who is also on the radar of Tottenham and Fiorentina, according to reports in Italy. The chase is being shaped by one key variable at Old Trafford: Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee domino could trigger late striker move
INEOS have made it clear through briefings and trusted reporters that a new centre-forward only becomes a live option if Zirkzee leaves in the coming days. Ben Jacobs has described United as “alert” to a striker signing should the Dutchman depart, with Premier League and Serie A clubs circling.
Fiorentina are at the front of that queue. With Como closing in on Moise Kean before the deadline, the Serie A side have moved into advanced talks to sign Zirkzee from United, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. If that deal drops, United’s striker plan instantly changes shape.
That is where Matanovic comes in.
The Freiburg forward hit 11 Bundesliga goals last season and has been tagged in Croatia as the “heir to Mario Mandzukic” – a big, physical presence who can finish, compete and lead the line. Fiorentina have been tracking him as well, with Gazzetta dello Sport describing a move to Florence as “difficult but not impossible”.
The difficulty? Tottenham and Manchester United.
Spurs, already active in the attacking market, have been linked with Omar Marmoush, who is now expected to head to north London. That potential move, combined with Fiorentina’s strong push for Zirkzee, could clear the runway for United to focus on Matanovic if they choose to act.
If Zirkzee stays, United can sit tight. If he goes, the club hierarchy are ready to pivot quickly.
Midfield rebuilt, keeper secured – but left-back still nags
Up to now, United’s summer has been driven by one clear priority: midfield. Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have arrived from Brighton, Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively, reshaping the core of the side.
Behind them, Karl Darlow has joined on a free as back-up goalkeeper, while highly rated Tottenham youngster Tynan Thompson has been brought in for around £8m.
The spine has been addressed. The edges of the squad have not.
There has been consistent noise that United could still move for a left-back, a left-winger and a striker before the window shuts. Of those, left-back is viewed inside the club as the most realistic and pressing area to strengthen.
Jacobs has outlined how United are handling that situation. Alejandro Balde has been offered around, with Barcelona understood to be open to a sale at around €45m. On paper, that is a statement signing. In reality, United’s stance is more cautious.
The preference, according to Jacobs, is a loan deal with an option to buy rather than an immediate permanent transfer. That structure would preserve financial and tactical flexibility for 2027, when United are expected to make a serious push for their long-term top target at left-back: Lewis Hall.
Hall is not thought to be available this late in the window. That leaves United with a strategic dilemma. Do they commit significant funds now, or bring in a stopgap and keep their powder dry for Hall next year?
Balde remains one to watch, but nothing is advanced. Jorge Salinas and David Raum have also been offered as possible solutions on the left, giving United options but no obvious, simple answer.
A window on a knife edge
So United stand at an intriguing crossroads. Midfield refreshed. Depth in goal sorted. A left-back hunt that could go in three or four different directions. And a striker plan that depends entirely on whether Fiorentina turn Zirkzee’s situation from speculation into a signature.
If the Dutchman walks out of Old Trafford before the deadline, the club will need a new focal point up front. Igor Matanovic, with 11 Bundesliga goals and a growing reputation, suddenly looks less like a name on a long list and more like a live opportunity.
Tottenham are watching. Fiorentina are pushing. United, as ever at this stage of the window, are waiting for the first domino to fall.
Will that be Zirkzee – and if it is, do they trust Matanovic to be the one who replaces him?
