Manchester United chase Igor Matanovic As Berbatov‑style replacement

Manchester United are targeting SC Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic, with the German club reportedly demanding a £50 million fee. The forward is tied to Freiburg until 2029, meaning United would need to meet a sizeable price to secure his services.

United eye striker as Zirkzee replacement

Club officials held internal discussions during the final four weeks of the summer market, viewing Matanovic as a potential successor to Joshua Zirkzee. Though Zirkzee remained at Old Trafford, United did not pursue a move at that stage, keeping the door open for a later bid.

Matanovic has already netted six goals and supplied two assists in the opening seven games across all competitions this term. He finished the previous season with 15 goals in all competitions after Freiburg paid just over £5 million to sign him from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Berbatov comparison fuels hype

Both Matanovic and former United striker Dimitar Berbatov share imposing height – the Croatian stands at 6 feet 5 inches – and a reputation for technical ability rather than raw pace. Former Spurs manager Chris Hughton once praised Berbatov’s ball‑manoeuvring, saying he “runs at his own pace but can go past people with his feel for the ball”.

The parallels have led some observers to label Matanovic a “Berbatov 2.0”, suggesting he could replicate the Bulgarian’s success after moving from the Bundesliga to the Premier League.

Reports from CaughtOffside indicate that Arsenal and Chelsea are also making regular checks on Matanovic, with other major European clubs monitoring his progress. The interest from Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and other sides underscores the striker’s rising stock.

Freiburg’s £50 million demand reflects the forward’s increased market value, especially given his contract runs to 2029. The club originally invested just over £5 million in him, making the current price a substantial profit opportunity.

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Formerly of LondonWorld, Toby previously worked on the patch in the capital covering some of the country’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and West Ham. He later became a Sports Lifestyle Writer across the Iconic Media titles after cutting his teeth in local news in Brighton and Newcastle. Toby’s portfolio also includes stints at, the Daily, FantasyFootballScout, Magazine, Metro and the Irish Times. He is a graduate of Newcastle University, earned his NCTJ qualification with the News Associates and later obtained his senior NQJ while working with Iconic Media, regularly contributing to News outlets.

If United secure Matanovic, the striker could provide a long‑term solution up front and allow Zirkzee to move on in January or next summer. For Freiburg, the £50 million fee would represent a significant return on their original investment and free up resources for future signings.