Man Utd Handed Striker Boost as Freiburg Star Matanovic ‘Keen’ on Old Trafford Move

Manchester United have been handed a lift in their search for a new striker, with Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic reportedly keen to move to Old Trafford. Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested.

FootballInsider reports that the 23-year-old Croatia international would "jump" at the chance to join United and test himself in the Premier League. 

Freiburg, though, are in a strong position. They will reportedly refuse to sell in the middle of the season and are under no financial pressure to cash in during January. If they do sell, they want around £50 million.

That means United will probably have to wait until the summer of 2027. The club will need to decide whether to meet that price.

Michael Carrick wants more options up front. Benjamin Sesko is the only natural senior striker in the squad, and he has been struggling with shin injuries this season. Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee can play as a number nine, but neither is a traditional target man.

Matanovic joined Freiburg in the summer of 2025 and has scored 21 goals and made six assists in 57 games in all competitions. He has started this season in great form, with six goals and two assists in seven matches.

Carrick and the United board will keep watching him over the coming months. If he keeps scoring at this rate, the list of clubs chasing him could grow. For now, Carrick will hope Sesko can shake off his injury problems and lead the line as United play on several fronts.