Three bargain strikers Man Utd could sign after Delap setback including 25-goal star - opinion

Manchester United are poised to sign a new striker during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils were keen on landing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, but the Englishman has preferred to join rivals Chelsea instead.

United will need to pursue a cost-effective alternative due to the limited budget after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Here are three candidates United could look at.

Jean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace

The Frenchman has transformed into a solid goalscoring striker under manager Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace. He has scored 16 and 14 league goals respectively in the last two campaigns.

The former Mainz man has impressed with his high pressing and hold-up play in the final third and can be a menace for opposition defenders with his strong physical presence in the box.

Mateta is in the prime of his career at 27 and could be signed for £40 million or less, with his contract expiring next year. Palace should be tempted to cash in unless he commits to a new deal.

Jonathan David – Lille

The 25-year-old had a fantastic 2024/25 season with Les Dogues. He registered 25 goals and 12 assists. Nine of those goal contributions came in the Champions League.

The Canadian star has confirmed his departure at the expiry of his Lille contract on June 30. United have the opportunity to bring him to the Premier League on a free transfer.

David earns only £32,000 per week at the French outfit. The Red Devils could persuade him to join with a £100,000 weekly package alongside a decent signing-on fee.

Randal Kolo Muani – Paris Saint-Germain

The Frenchman was on United’s radar last winter before he chose to join Juventus on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. He registered eight goals and two assists from 19 outings.

The Bianconeri don’t have an option to buy him, and he is poised to return to Les Parisiens. The European champions could be prepared to cut their losses on the Nantes graduate.

It has been reported that he could be prised away for just £35m. Kolo Muani is a modern striker with good mobility and distribution. He can score goals and create chances too.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .