Manchester United play their first match of 2026 when they visit fierce rivals Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by the Premier League’s bottom-side, Wolves, in their final match of 2025, handing Rob Edwards’ side just their third point of a winless season so far.
Ruben Amorim will be desperate to see his side pick up all three points at Elland Road, however the Whites have been in good form of late and held Liverpool to a goalless draw on Thursday.
Away from the action, it is emerging that Man United face an obstacle in their efforts to sign a proven Premier League striker.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Man United are facing difficulty in their efforts to sign Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta in January.
The report claims that the Manchester outfit are hoping to land the Frenchman this month, however uncertainty surrounding the future of Palace boss Oliver Glasner could prevent them from doing so.
Mateta has established himself as one of the most reliable strikers in the Premier League (Photo: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy)
United are said to be monitoring the 28-year-old, who scored his seventh Premier League goal of the season during the Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Fulham on Thursday.
Mateta – who has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur – is under contract at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2027, but Palace are said to be adamant that they will not necessarily have to sell the player.
Talks over a new deal have not yet progressed, but it is claimed that there are issues other than financial demands that are preventing an agreement from being reached.
Glasner’s future is also proving to be an obstacle for United, with the Austrian expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Palace are said to be keen to ensure that their next manager makes a decision on Mateta’s future, which could prevent Man United from signing the player this month while Glasner remains in his post.