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Manchester United are looking at the market for extra depth in attack, with reports indicating that Freiburg striker Igor Matanović has been discussed internally at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old is being considered as a possible option for Michael Carrick as United evaluate how their forward line could shape up before the transfer window closes.

The situation currently appears to depend heavily on Joshua Zirkzee. United already have Benjamin Sesko as their first-choice centre-forward, but uncertainty over Zirkzee has opened the door for fresh planning. According to the report, “Man United have discussed a potential move for Matanović internally,” with the Croatia international coming into focus after an impressive season in Germany.

Matanović’s numbers are naturally eye-catching. He “scored 15 goals for Freiburg last season” and, standing at 6ft 4in, brings a profile that is likely to appeal to clubs seeking a strong presence through the middle. The report adds that he “offers a physical profile similar to Sesko”, while also making it clear that “he is more than simply a target man.” That point could be especially relevant in United’s thinking, particularly if Carrick is keen on varied attacking options rather than like-for-like back-up.

The Zirkzee situation remains the key factor. Juventus have been strongly linked with the Dutch forward, and the suggestion is that if he leaves, United would require “someone capable of providing genuine competition rather than leaving too much responsibility on Sesko.” In that context, Matanović appears to be a practical rather than extravagant option.

There is also the added factor that “Tottenham are also monitoring him”, which could speed up the decision-making if United conclude that he is the right fit. Even so, perhaps the most notable line in the report is also the most measured one: “United do not need to rush.” For a club trying to improve the sharpness of its recruitment decisions, that seems a sensible position to take.

If Zirkzee stays, bringing in another young striker could simply overcrowd that area of the squad. If he departs, the logic becomes more straightforward. Matanović would give Carrick “another powerful focal point”, and his “mobility and finishing in Germany suggest there is considerable development potential.”

At this point, the sense is that United are keeping their options open rather than pushing flat out to complete a deal. That is often how effective recruitment starts, with contingency plans put in place before a major outgoing transfer is finalised.

From a Manchester United point of view, this seems like the kind of transfer that only really makes sense if Zirkzee leaves. There is no problem in admiring Matanović as a player. A 23-year-old striker who has scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga, possesses size, mobility and scope for improvement is exactly the sort of profile top clubs should be tracking. The larger issue is squad balance.

If Sesko is already the main striker, adding another young centre-forward without anyone leaving could leave Carrick trying to manage too many similar development profiles at once. United have done that often enough over the years, stockpiling talent without always creating the ideal pathway for it to flourish.

If Zirkzee does move to Juventus, the move becomes far easier to understand. In that scenario, Matanović looks like a strong squad-building signing, someone who can compete, develop and offer a different physical dimension across a long campaign. Supporters would probably accept that logic quickly, especially if the transfer fee remained reasonable.

The key is not to be pushed into action by outside pressure. “Tottenham are also monitoring him” should not force United into moving before they are ready. The club need more conviction in recruitment, not more panic. Keep the talks alive, resolve Zirkzee’s situation first, and then make the call. If matters unfold that way, Matanović could prove to be one of those understated signings that looks increasingly smart with time.