Why Amorim believes Crystal Palace ace can become his Gyokeres 2.0

Manchester United’s interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta may have come out of the blue, but a move for the Crystal Palace striker might be just such a crazy move it will work for both parties.

Mateta has 12 Premier League goals for the Eagles this season after scoring 16 last term, the type of numbers for a centre-forward that are currently a dream for Ruben Amorim’s side.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer rumours

Rasmus Hojlund is misfiring at the forefront of their attack, and it appears that the Red Devils have already given up on the Denmark international becoming the prolific scorer they had hoped for when he arrived from Atalanta 18 months ago.

Now their thoughts have turned toward Mateta, according to The Sun.

READ MORE: Carragher drops CONTROVERSIAL Man Utd opinion as Liverpool legend slams Amorim

A new profile for Man Utd

Mateta is not the typical INEOS signing. He will be 28 years old by the time the 2025/26 season starts. United’s project is based around young players with sell-on value, yet this is clearly a time for pragmatism.

The Red Devils need players who can perform from the time they set foot in Old Trafford. Mateta has proven that with nearly 30 Premier League goals in 18 months, while he would arrive comparatively cheap compared to the world-class options United have often been linked with.

The price point is important. Amorim has already admitted that his side will need to sell before they buy. Mateta has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €21.2 million, so is unlikely to be outrageously expensive, particularly as his contract expires in 2026.

So the track record is there, the price is unlikely to be a major issue: can he fit in?

Mateta the arrowhead that Man Utd need

Mateta is seen as being ideal to fit into Amorim’s 3-4-3 system as the spearhead to the attack. The Red Devils see his mobility and industry as being vital to Amorim’s plans, according to the report.

Data analytics experts SciSports back this up. United can offer him playing time and a style that suits him in a formation that works for his game.

Although the Old Trafford side are given a Club Fit score of 72, this is dragged down by a lack of potential development for Mateta.

But this could well be overridden by the opportunity to play at a major club for what is likely to be the final time in his career. Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest might have better Club Fit scores, but neither have the prestige (or earning potential) that Mateta would have at Man Utd.

Amorim’s new Gyokeres?

Viktor Gyokeres is a name that continues to be associated with Man Utd because of the Amorim link, yet the Sweden international is unlikely to hook up with his former boss unless the Red Devils reach the Champions League.

Even at that, his price tag is likely to push him beyond the reach of the Old Trafford club. Can Mateta become to Amorim’s United what Gyokeres was to his Sporting side?

In a word: no.

Mateta vs Gyokeres: Playing Style

Gyokeres at Sporting and Mateta at Palace have two very different skillsets, as demonstrated by SciSports.

Whereas the Swede is a roving forward player, Mateta is much more of a pressing player. This means that his shot contribution is lower but his work rate is greater.

The difference between the players is starkly realised by looking at their statistics from league play this season.

Gyokeres’ game has, however, been expanded dramatically by Amorim, who would hope to have the same impact on Mateta if he were to arrive at Old Trafford in the summer.

It’s just the type of low-cost but potentially smart move that Man Utd need to begin to turn their ailing club around.