CONFIRMED: Man Utd target TWO France stars for January

Tom Weber

1 Jan 2026 14:53 GMT
4 min read

Ruben Amorim, Man Utd, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Manchester United are interested in Stade Rennais centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, Sky Sports has confirmed.

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The Red Devils are monitoring the January market for potential opportunities. An attacker is on the agenda after missing out on Antoine Semenyo, but Man Utd are keen to avoid potential panic buys.

The signing of a new forward would allow Man Utd to sanction Joshua Zirkzee's move to AS Roma, who would leave with the promise of generating a €40 million windfall in the summer, but this is entirely contingent on a suitable replacement being found.

STATS

Jean-Philippe Mateta

F (C)

C. Palace

Jean-Philippe Mateta

F (C)

C. Palace

29

Games
9

Goals
2

Assists

Sky Sports has now confirmed that Man Utd hold a long-term interest in Crystal Palace sharpshooter Jean-Philippe Mateta, who will enter the final year of his contract in the summer.

Mateta is a key player for Palace boss Oliver Glasner, so a January move appears difficult to pull off, but the Eagles may be forced into a sale due to his contract situation.

Man Utd also monitoring Jacquet

The outlet has also confirmed that Man Utd are among the clubs monitoring Stade Rennais centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. The 20-year-old has been linked with various top clubs in recent months.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Man Utd have been associated with a move for the defender, and the report confirms that the latter could make a move for him in January to beat the competition to the punch.

As with Mateta, however, it is acknowledged that a mid-season move could ultimately prove difficult to realise. Jacquet has been a mainstay in Rennes' side, so they naturally do not want to lose him in January.

Jacquet recently signed a new contract until 2029 after fielding interest from Arsenal and Palace in the summer. If Jacquet proves unattainable this month, Man Utd will look to add a new centre-back in the summer.

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