“A huge step”: Red-hot Man United target provides update on his future

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Manchester United target Igor Matanovic has provided an update on his future. The Red Devils are looking to sign a new striker before the end of the transfer window, and the Croatian is reportedly on their wish list.

The English giants are expected to bid farewell to Joshua Zirkzee this summer. The Dutchman has been a disappointment since arriving from Bologna in 2024 and is a peripheral figure at the Theatre of Dreams.

United already appear a little light in the striker department, and Zirkzee’s departure could further complicate matters. The Red Devils are competing in four competitions this season and need more cover for Benjamin Sesko in the squad.

Several candidates have been touted as options to address the situation, including Matanovic, who has been in excellent form recently with Freiburg.

Matanovic suits United

Matanovic rose through the ranks at FC St. Pauli before joining Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021. However, he spent most of his time at Deutsche Bank Park out on loan, before leaving permanently last summer to join Freiburg.

That decision proved to be a turning point in his career, with the player thriving at the Europa-Park Stadium. Last season, Matanovic scored 15 times in 50 appearances for the Bundesliga club.

He has continued that impressive run this campaign as well, managing four goals in four appearances.

Igor Matanovic Stats: 2026/27 Season

A physical centre-forward who can be a dominant presence in the box, Matanovic could be just what the doctor ordered for United. However, the Croatian has now provided an update on his future that may not please United fans.

Matanovic happy at Freiburg

Speaking after Freiburg’s 4-1 win over Wolfsburg on Sunday, 30 August, as cited by Metro, Matanovic suggested that he remains settled at the Europa-Park Stadion. He said: “As far as I’m concerned, I’m currently at Freiburg. There has been absolutely no contact with anyone from my side.”

When asked about the secret to his recent rise, the Croatian credited it to hard work and a clear head, adding: “The first thing people think of is that success is due to hard training and that’s largely true.”

“But I believe that football is much more a mental game. If you’re clear-headed, not overthinking, and not hesitating, then that’s how things happen. If I’m overthinking, starting to brood, and lacking self-confidence, then it doesn’t work.”

Matanovic also expressed his gratitude to Freiburg for helping him realise a World Cup dream. When asked if joining the Bundesliga side was one of the best decisions of his career, the 23 year old responded: “Yes, of course. The answer is obvious. It was a huge step.”

“Thanks to Freiburg, I also made it to the World Cup, which was a tremendous success for me as a young player.”

Final Thoughts

Matanovic could bring something entirely different from Sesko to Michael Carrick’s squad. However, as things stand, it may be difficult to secure his signature this summer.