Manchester United could be heading for another major attacking decision, with Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford increasingly uncertain. Juventus have registered interest in the Dutch forward, while Napoli have also made enquiries as Serie A clubs continue to monitor his situation.
And now comes the spicy part… 👀🔥
Reports indicate that Ivan Toney and Jean-Philippe Mateta are among the forwards Manchester United are monitoring as potential replacements if Zirkzee leaves. The two experienced strikers have a combined 86 Premier League goals, giving United two very different options to consider.
💥 IVAN TONEY: THE PREMIER LEAGUE PROBLEM-SOLVER
Toney would bring something United have desperately needed at times: a striker who knows exactly how to operate in English football.
The England international is powerful, aggressive, intelligent with his movement and dangerous inside the penalty area. He can hold defenders off, bring teammates into play and punish opponents when chances fall his way. 🎯🔥
His experience in the Premier League could also make the transition much smoother. Rather than needing months to adapt to the intensity and physicality of English football, Toney already knows the battlefield.
And there is another interesting angle: Toney is currently with Al-Ahli, meaning a potential move back to the Premier League would represent another huge chapter in his career. Reports have placed him on United’s list of striker candidates alongside Mateta.
💪 MATETA: POWER, PACE AND PURE CHAOS
Then there is Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Crystal Palace striker offers a completely different profile. At his best, Mateta is a nightmare for defenders because of his strength, acceleration and ability to attack space.
Give him room and he can punish you. Put a smaller defender against him and he can use his physicality. Get the ball into dangerous areas and he has the presence to turn half-chances into goals. 😤🔥
For a Manchester United side looking to become more direct and dangerous in the final third, Mateta could provide a serious physical presence.
🚨 BUT ZIRKZEE’S FUTURE COMES FIRST
United are reportedly monitoring these options rather than making a definitive choice already. Any move for Toney or Mateta would depend heavily on what happens with Zirkzee.
Zirkzee arrived from Bologna in 2024 after an impressive Serie A campaign and was viewed as a forward capable of linking midfield and attack. But his time at Old Trafford has failed to develop as many expected, and his limited involvement has fuelled speculation over a possible departure.
Juventus remain one of the clubs interested, and reports have suggested the Italian giants are exploring a move while United assess their options.
That means United could soon face a fascinating decision.
Do they bring back a proven Premier League goal threat in Toney? 🎯
Or do they go for the explosive physical presence of Mateta? 💪🔥
👀 TONEY = Experience, finishing, link-up play and Premier League pedigree.
👀 MATETA = Power, pace, physicality and relentless attacking pressure.
🔴🔥 If Joshua Zirkzee leaves Manchester United, who should replace him: IVAN TONEY or JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA?
United fans, choose your striker! 👇⚽🔥
