United Prepare for Life Without Zirkzee: Matanovic as Potential Replacement
United are bracing for life without Joshua Zirkzee – and the scramble to replace him is already turning into one of the most intriguing battles of the window.
The Dutch forward is edging towards the Old Trafford exit after a flat spell in England, where he returned just nine goals in 75 games. Talks with Fiorentina are advancing over a season-long loan, and those close to the deal believe the Italian club are confident of getting it over the line before the deadline.
If that happens, United move straight onto the next piece of business: finding a new number nine.
United turn to Matanovic as Zirkzee nears exit
Michael Carrick’s squad has been left short through the middle. Rasmus Hojlund has already been sold to Napoli, and the lack of a ruthless finisher was brutally exposed in the shock 2-0 defeat to Hull City. United controlled spells of that game, but never truly threatened to blow the door down.
Enter Smail Prevljak Matanovic.
At 6ft 5in, the Freiburg striker fits the brief as a physically imposing focal point. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, United view the 23-year-old as the ideal candidate to fill the looming Zirkzee void.
Matanovic is coming off a breakout debut season in Germany after a £6.9m move from Eintracht Frankfurt. He struck 15 goals in all competitions and led Freiburg all the way to the Europa League final, where Julian Schuster’s side fell just short against Aston Villa. No trophy, but plenty of notice taken.
His start to the new campaign has only sharpened that focus. He may have drawn a blank in three World Cup appearances in the summer, yet he has returned to club duty in ruthless mood, including a brace in Freiburg’s DFB-Pokal win over Dusseldorf. The feeling around him now is of a forward ready for a bigger stage, not one still learning the ropes.
Tottenham and Fiorentina crash the party
United, though, are not alone at the table.
Tottenham have also been strongly linked with the Croatian, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to add more size and presence to his attack despite already having Dominic Solanke and Richarlison in his squad. For a coach who likes his sides to dominate territory and pin teams back, a 6ft 5in battering ram who can finish carries obvious appeal.
The plot thickens with Fiorentina’s role in the saga. Fabio Grosso’s side are not just chasing Zirkzee; they have Matanovic on their list as well. La Viola are scouring the market for a replacement for Moise Kean, who is set to join Cesc Fabregas at Como.
If talks for Zirkzee were to stall, Fiorentina could quickly pivot and push hard for Matanovic instead. That single decision has the potential to ignite a three-way bidding war between United, Spurs and the Italians in the final hours before Tuesday’s deadline.
A new look up front at Old Trafford?
For United, landing Matanovic would mark a deliberate shift in profile. This would be a move towards a more bruising, penalty-box presence, a striker who can occupy centre-backs, attack crosses and offer a direct route when the passing patterns stall.
It is no surprise, then, that the Freiburg forward has already drawn comparisons to Croatian great Mario Mandzukic – a relentless runner, dominant in the air, and a constant menace in big games.
First, though, United need to clear the decks. Progress on Zirkzee’s loan to Fiorentina is key. Offloading the Dutchman would open up both the funds and the squad space Carrick needs to press ahead with a formal offer for Matanovic.
The clock is ticking, the dominoes are lining up, and one towering Croatian could soon define how United – and their rivals – attack the rest of the season.
