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Mateta sends clear Man Utd message: 'I will do everything to go there!'
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has shut down any transfer speculation linking him with Manchester United and other suitors by insisting that his sole focus for the season is on making France's World Cup squad.
The 28-year-old has been in sensational form for the Eagles since Oliver Glasner became head coach in February 2024. At the weekend, Mateta netted a hat-trick to salvage a point against Bournemouth, but he could easily have finished the game with four goals.
All told, the Frenchman has so far scored seven times in 13 appearances across all competitions. Due to his form, Mateta was the subject of interest in the summer, with Man Utd among the clubs most persistently associated with him.
He opted to stay at Selhurst Park, while Man Utd signed Benjamin Sesko for up to €95 million instead. However, the Slovenia international has endured a slow start to life at Old Trafford, prompting rumours that the Red Devils could look to sign a more experienced option in January to take the pressure off him.
Mateta, whose contract with Crystal Palace expires in 2027, has once again become a target for the Manchester giants, but he does not seem to be interested in transfer speculation at this point.
Mateta only focused on World Cup
Speaking ahead of Palace's Conference League clash with AEK Larnaca on Thursday, Mateta revealed that his sole aim this season is to impress France boss Didier Deschamps so that he will be included in next year's World Cup squad, having recently made his senior debut for Les Bleus.
“I’m very proud of myself," he said. "I’m very happy. I think I deserved the call-up because I train really hard. It’s a dream come true, and hopefully, I get called up again.
“It’s my dream to go to the World Cup, and I will do everything to go there," the in-form striker added. "But first, I have to do the job with Crystal Palace, every day and every game."
When asked about a potential contract extension at Palace, Mateta offered a less passionate response. “I’m focused on my season," he bluntly stated. "If they offer me a contract, we will see what happens. I’m just thinking about the game tomorrow."
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