Red Devils Strike Back: United Eye a Summer Pivot After Milan Collapse
4 February 2026
Overview
After a dramatic January window, Manchester United now faces a huge, potentially transformative summer opportunity.
The last-minute collapse of Jean-Philippe Mateta's move to Milan, triggered by a knee issue uncovered in the medical, has opened the door for United to pounce, according to the Mirror.
Milan collapse and Palace signing
Crystal Palace had already sealed an alternative by signing former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen for £48 million late on Monday, casting Mateta's long-term future at Selhurst Park into doubt.
With Milan's bid now dead and Mateta's position unsettled, United have long pursued a proven Premier League forward and could view this summer as a real chance to land him at a discount.
United's potential move and outlook
Mateta's Palace contract runs to 2027, and with talks stalling, United may push to secure his services before Palace risks losing him on a free transfer in 17 months, especially as United has shown a tendency to add experienced PL players.
As the transfer window evolves, United's approach remains pragmatic: bolster the attack with a capable forward who can deliver in the short term and beyond.
Punchline 1: If United land Mateta, even the knee will applaud—finally, a medical that behaves.
Punchline 2: In football drama, the best plot twists come with a goal-line grin and a victory lap for the fans.
