Man Utd’s Zirkzee Replacement: Why 15-Goal Igor Matanović Is Emerging as a Target

Manchester United are considering a move for Freiburg striker Igor Matanović as Joshua Zirkzee's future at Old Trafford becomes increasingly uncertain.

The 23-year-old Croatia international has emerged as a potential attacking target, with United assessing whether he could provide additional competition for Benjamin Šeško if Zirkzee completes a move away from the club.

The interest, reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, comes as United continue to reshape their forward options under Michael Carrick. Other reports have also indicated that the club have internally discussed Matanović as a possible addition.

The Zirkzee domino could trigger United's next move

Zirkzee's situation is central to United's thinking.

The Dutchman has struggled to establish himself as a consistent first-choice forward since arriving from Bologna, and Fiorentina are now exploring a potential deal to take him back to Serie A. United's willingness to consider his departure could leave the club needing another striker to provide depth behind Šeško.

That is where Matanović enters the picture.

Zirkzee exit → attacking vacancy → Matanović considered → competition for Šeško

However, there is currently no indication that United have progressed to a formal bid for the Freiburg forward. The interest appears to remain at the assessment stage.

Who is Igor Matanović?

Matanović is a 23-year-old, 1.94m (6ft 4in) centre-forward who represents Croatia internationally. He joined Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt in July 2025 and quickly established himself as an effective option in the Bundesliga.

His size is one of the most obvious characteristics of his game, giving him a strong presence in the penalty area and making him an attractive target for teams looking for a traditional No. 9.

The forward's 2025/26 campaign also helped elevate his profile. He scored 11 Bundesliga goals in 31 appearances, with two assists, while reports covering his overall campaign put his total across competitions at 15 goals.

That production has understandably attracted attention beyond Germany, with Tottenham also reportedly monitoring the striker.

Matanović vs Šeško: Similar profile, different options?

One of the most interesting aspects of a potential United move is how Matanović would complement Šeško.

Both forwards are tall, physically imposing centre-forwards who can operate as focal points in attack. Matanović would therefore offer Carrick competition for the No. 9 position, but he would not necessarily provide a radically different attacking profile from United's current first-choice striker.

That could be viewed positively: competition for places can raise standards and give Carrick another option when rotating his squad.

But there is also a tactical question. If Šeško establishes himself as United's leading striker, the club may ultimately prefer a forward who offers a noticeably different set of qualities from the Slovenian.

Matanović's goalscoring record, physical presence and penalty-box threat nevertheless make him an intriguing option if United decide they need another conventional centre-forward.

Why United could be tempted

There are several reasons Matanović makes sense as a potential Zirkzee replacement.

• Goals: His 15-goal campaign has demonstrated his ability to contribute consistently in front of goal.
• Physical presence: At 1.94m, he gives United another aerial and physical option in attack.
• Age: At 23, he still has considerable room for development.
• Squad depth: His arrival would prevent United from becoming overly dependent on Šeško.
• Bundesliga experience: Matanović has already established himself in one of Europe's major leagues.

There is also evidence that United have been monitoring him beyond the latest reports, with previous coverage indicating that the club have discussed the possibility of a move internally.

What happens next?

Matanović's future could ultimately depend on what happens with Zirkzee.

If the Dutchman leaves Old Trafford, United will have a clear decision to make over whether their existing attacking options provide sufficient depth behind Šeško.

Matanović is one of the names being considered, but United have yet to turn that interest into a formal offer.

With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, the situation could develop quickly. For now, the Freiburg striker represents a potential Zirkzee replacement and Šeško competitor, rather than a confirmed United signing.

The key question is whether Carrick wants another striker with Matanović's physical profile—or whether United ultimately decide that their next forward should offer something different.