Manchester United is actively exploring options to bolster their forward line following the injury of Benjamin Šeško, who is sidelined until at least January 2026 due to a recurring shin issue. This situation has highlighted the club's lack of depth at centre-forward, intensifying the urgency for reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.

The club has identified a four-man shortlist of potential targets:

• Nicolò Tresoldi (Club Brugge)
• Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
• Igor Matanovic
• Dion Beljo

Tresoldi stands out as a top prospect, valued at around £42 million. His impressive scoring run in Belgium has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester City, who have both sent scouts to evaluate him.

In contrast, Mateta offers proven Premier League experience and could be available for approximately £25 million, due to his contract situation. Given Šeško's absence, the need for immediate impact becomes crucial, making Mateta a compelling option for United. While Tresoldi presents a more exciting long-term prospect, Mateta’s familiarity with the league and readiness to contribute could be more beneficial in the short term.

The other two options, Matanovic and Beljo, while intriguing, may carry greater adaptation risks. With the pressure mounting on Manchester United to secure a reliable forward, the focus shifts to finding a player capable of stepping in and delivering results right away, making Mateta a practical target as the January transfer window approaches.