Man United receive Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer green light - 'he's a nightmare'

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has backed Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to be a good fit for Manchester United.

Paul Merson has urged Manchester United to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Recent reports have seen Ruben Amorim's side linked with a summer swoop for the Eagles forward. Ipswich Town frontman Liam Delap and Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha have also been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of a potential rebuild at M16.

It comes amid United's goalscoring issues under Reds boss Amorim. United have played almost as many games in the Premier League this season (33) as they have goals scored (38), with strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee netting just 15 times between them across all competitions.

And former Arsenal midfielder Merson has given United the green light to complete a deal for Mateta. He shares his view that the Frenchman has all the attributes to be a success for Amorim's men, but would struggle for the Gunners.

"I wouldn't say Arsenal," he told Sky Sports. "At the Emirates, teams sit 10 behind the ball and I don't think he has that guile. He needs grass in front of him where he's willing.

"He makes good runs, he's strong, he's quick and he's a really good player. I thought Man Utd would go for him in the January transfer window.

"I think he's a really good fit for them at the moment with what they need and to steady the ship. He'll lead the line.

"He defends from the front and he's a nightmare for defenders. I can't imagine too many defenders coming off the pitch after a game and going ‘that was a walk in the park’.

"I think he gets the move this summer."

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