Isak has agreed to join Man United but that will happen only if they allow that guy join us in exchange”: Newcastle United’s coach Eddie Howe demands ONE Man United’s attacker in exchange for Alexander Isak

In need of an attacking overhaul, Manchester United could now reportedly offer Rasmus Hojlund in a summer swap deal to sign an instant upgrade for Ruben Amorim and his side.

Amorim bemoans Man Utd’s attacking struggles

Manchester United’s attacking problems couldn’t have been summed up much better than just how much more dangerous Harry Maguire looked when leading the line compared to the likes of Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee against Nottingham Forest.
The central defender offered the physical presence that Zirkzee and Hojlund otherwise lack and even moved with the attacking intelligence both forwards have failed to show consistently this season.

Amorim is well aware of his side’s attacking struggles too, telling reporters when asked what needs to change after Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat against Forest: “Yes, because if you look at some games, we cannot create situations where they create. The opponent sometimes create more opportunities and today was not the case.
They scored one shot maybe two shots at goal and we manage not to score again. We have to improve in the last third. We are improving the way we build up. We are pushing the opponents more to their half, but there’s a lot to be given.”

That improvement, at this stage, looks unlikely to come by relying on Hojlund and Zirkzee which is destined to end in an attacking overhaul at Old Trafford. And whilst it remains to be seen just who arrives to solve Amorim’s problems, names such as Benjamin Sesko and Samu Aghehowa have already threatened to steal the headlines once or twice.

There’s no doubt that both would offer United instant upgrades, but there remains questions over their ability to lure such players to Old Trafford in current circumstances. Amid that doubt, the Red Devils have seemingly turned towards an option closer to home.

Man Utd could offer Hojlund in Mateta swap deal

Whilst Hojlund and Zirkzee have struggled this season, Jean-Philippe Mateta has continued to thrive and may yet find himself on his way to Old Trafford as a result this season.

According to Football Transfers, Manchester United could even offer Rasmus Hojlund in a shock swap deal to sign Mateta this summer, landing an instant solution to Amorim’s attacking problems in the process.
Dubbed “amazing” by Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, the Frenchman has outscored United’s two struggling strikers in the current campaign with 12 Premier League goals to his name providing more than enough evidence of his quality.

With talks reportedly already open over a move worth €50m (£42m), INEOS could save themselves some vital funds by ending Hojlund’s Old Trafford nightmare and signing Mateta whilst doing so this summer.
The idea of **Manchester United offering Rasmus Hojlund in a swap deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta** might raise some eyebrows, but it reflects the club’s increasing urgency to fix a glaring issue—**the final third**. Under Rúben Amorim, United have become more structured in build-up play, but the lack of consistent end product from their strikers is holding the entire system back.

### Why Hojlund Might Be Sacrificed
– **Inconsistency**: Despite his work rate and potential, Hojlund has struggled with end product—often isolated and unable to assert himself physically.
– **Poor link-up play**: Amorim’s style demands smart movement, one-touch passing, and positional awareness in tight spaces, which Hojlund hasn’t consistently shown.
– **Pressure of price tag**: Signed for £72m, he’s yet to live up to the fee, and the club could now look to cut losses while there’s still market value.

### Why Mateta Makes Sense
– **Current form**: Mateta is enjoying his best season in the Premier League with **12 goals**, showing composure, physicality, and the instincts of a poacher—everything United’s current No.9s are lacking.
– **Style fit**: Under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, he has thrived in a structured, pressing system—not unlike Amorim’s. His ability to hold up play and link midfield and attack could be crucial.
– **Instant impact**: At 26, he’s more polished and could hit the ground running, unlike the longer development arcs needed for Hojlund or Zirkzee.

### Potential Concerns
– **Hojlund’s upside**: He’s still only 21 and has shown glimpses of a high ceiling—would United be giving up too early?
– **Mateta’s consistency**: While he’s in great form, Mateta hasn’t always been prolific—this season is somewhat of a breakout. Is it sustainable?
– **Swap complexity**: Swap deals, especially involving players with different wage structures and valuations, are tricky. Palace may prefer cash, while Hojlund might resist a perceived step down.

### Bottom Line
If **Amorim wants a forward who can deliver now**, Mateta is a logical target. Swapping Hojlund could be a ruthless—but strategic—move from INEOS to kickstart a new attacking era. The deal also frees up budget for other key areas like midfield and central defense.

Would you back this move, or do you think Hojlund deserves more time to develop under Amorim?