– 196 centimetres and with a nose for goal could be manager Michael Carrick’s new attacking weapon
Manchester United have just over two weeks to complete this summer’s deal, and now a clear picture is emerging of what Michael Carrick wants: a striker who can bring a whole new dimension to the attack.
United have already secured Andrey Santos (Chelsea, £50M) and Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa, £35M) to bolster their midfield, but Carrick is far from done. Now the spotlight is on Freiburg’s 23-year-old attacking bomb Igor Matanovic – a 196 centimeter tall goal guarantor who ravaged the Bundesliga last year.
The bosses at Old Trafford have little time to improve, as was underlined in the friendly with AC Milan led by former manager Ruben Amorim.
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Facts: Igor Matanovic
| Age | 23 years old |
|---|---|
| Height | Height 196 cm |
| Matches 2025/26 | 50 |
| Objectives | 15 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Club | Freiburg |
| Contracts | 2030 |
According to Ben Jacobs, senior football correspondent at GIVEMESPORT, there are now internal discussions at Old Trafford about signing Croatian-Swede Igor Matanovic before the window closes.
“United have had talks about Matanovic in recent weeks. He is seen as a potential replacement for Joshua Zirkzee, who could be on his way to Juventus,” Jacobs said.
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Matanovic could be Carrick’s new trump card
Matanovic joined Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, and immediately delivered the goods. 15 goals and 4 assists in 50 games in all competitions is the answer for the giant – and that at the age of 22.
United signed Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško and Matheus Cunha last summer – and the three became the first United trio since 2012/13 to all reach double-digit Premier League goals in their debut season. Carrick now wants to give them competition and options.
The question is whether Matanovic is the right profile – and whether Freiburg are willing to let go of their star striker in the middle of the pre-season.
Why it is urgent for United
United have the best record in the calendar year 2026 – in fact, one point ahead of league champions Arsenal. Carrick has done a formidable job since taking over from Ruben Amorim in January, leading United to third place and return to the Champions League.
But with over two weeks left in the window, and with Zirkzee on his way out, it is urgent to find a replacement.
If Matanovic can bring to United the missing goal – and the width Carrick is calling for – Old Trafford may have finally found the piece that makes them title contenders again.
