27 August 2026
Manchester United have already started scanning the market for a possible replacement for Joshua Zirkzee.
Last week, Fabrizio Romano said he expects United to move for a striker if Zirkzee leaves before the 1 September transfer deadline.
It has now been reported that United are in advanced discussions with Fiorentina over the Dutch forward’s move to Italy. That latest development is likely to speed up their own search for a new goalscorer.
According to Thursday’s print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited by Sport Witness, Manchester United are one of the clubs tracking Freiburg star Igor Matanovic.
The 23-year-old Croatia striker has been compared with Mario Mandzukic after catching the eye with his aerial strength and clinical finishing in front of goal.
Matanovic netted 15 goals and provided four assists in all competitions for the Bundesliga side last season. He has also begun the current campaign in strong fashion, recording a brace and an assist in the German club’s DFB Pokal clash against Dusseldorf.
It is understood he has impressed both United and Tottenham Hotspur as the transfer window enters its closing days.
The Italian newspaper adds that Fiorentina are also keeping tabs on Matanovic, who is seen as Mandzukic’s successor in the Croatia national team.
The proposed move is described as “difficult but not impossible” for Fiorentina, while both United and Tottenham are believed to be considering a late attempt for the Croatia international.
What is more, with Fiorentina now closing in on Zirkzee’s signature, they may already have conceded defeat in the race to sign Matanovic.
Meanwhile, Spurs have brought in Omar Marmoush and Savio, and they are also interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.
That could mean they no longer have room for another attacker, potentially leaving the path clear for United to make their move for Matanovic.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment Overall credibility: 4/10 Why?
✅ The player fits United’s tactical and financial profile ⚠️ Interest in the player has not been widely reported ⚠️ The source is not especially reliable for United news
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