Manchester United have received encouraging news in their pursuit of Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic. According to Football Insider, the 23-year-old Croatian is keen on a potential move to Old Trafford.
Journalist Pete O'Rourke claims that Matanovic would gladly seize the opportunity to join United, with the prospect of playing in the Premier League particularly appealing to the forward.
United are actively searching for attacking reinforcements, as Benjamin Sesko remains their only recognised central striker under Michael Carrick. The Slovenian has faced injury challenges this season, while Mateus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee do not fit the mould of traditional strikers.
Earlier reports from TEAMtalk indicated that United are among the contenders for Matanovic, but they will face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea, who are also keeping tabs on the Croatian.
Matanovic joined Freiburg in the summer of 2025 and has since netted 21 goals and provided six assists in 57 appearances. He has started the current season in stunning form, with six goals and two assists in just seven matches.
The main hurdle for United is Freiburg's stance. The German club values the striker at around £50 million and has no intention of letting him go in the January transfer window.
Thus, even if Matanovic is interested in a move, Manchester United will likely have to wait until the summer of 2027. An official bid has yet to be submitted.
