Amorim's Manchester United Transfer Wish Revealed by Palace Legend
Ruben Amorim was reportedly desperate for Manchester United to secure the signature of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during the January transfer window, according to Eagles legend Clinton Morrison. The Portuguese manager's dismissal on 6th January ultimately ended any serious pursuit from Old Trafford.
Palace's Turbulent Winter Window
While Crystal Palace managed to bring in Brennan Johnson from Tottenham, their winter transfer period has been particularly challenging. The club has seen defender Marc Guehi depart for Manchester City, while manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will leave at the season's end. The situation worsened this week with Mateta informing Palace of his desire to leave Selhurst Park this month, attracting interest from Aston Villa and Juventus.
Palace have placed a £35 million valuation on their French international striker, who still has eighteen months remaining on his current contract. This substantial price tag reflects Mateta's impressive 2024-25 campaign, where he netted seventeen goals and helped Palace achieve FA Cup glory.
United's Striker Search and Amorim's Influence
Manchester United showed interest in Mateta last season and were linked again at the start of the year, particularly with summer signing Benjamin Sesko struggling to adapt following his move from RB Leipzig. Sesko has managed just five goals so far this season.
Morrison claims Amorim was keen on the Palace forward despite United's general reluctance to make significant January expenditures. "I do think Manchester United were interested in him, Ruben Amorim was big-time interested in him," Morrison told Metro via Free Bets. "But I just don't think United could have done it there and then because they spent a lot of money in the summer bringing in Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha."
Morrison's Analysis of Mateta's Situation
The former Palace and Ireland striker believes Mateta's options will improve during the summer transfer window. "I think Mateta's options will be better in the summer," Morrison explained. "I don't think a lot of players get the clubs they want in January. I'm not saying clubs are panicking, but clubs will bring in strikers just to reinforce their squads from now until the end of the season."
Morrison expressed disappointment with the timing of Mateta's transfer request, suggesting the striker should have waited until summer for his desired move. "The timing of Mateta trying to leave is all wrong," Morrison stated. "It is disappointing, I know JP and he is a good guy who just wants to do well and be successful. But he should have waited until the summer to get his move."
The Palace legend also highlighted chairman Steve Parish's negotiating stance, noting: "I know what the chairman Steve Parish is like, unless it's the right price, he is not letting him go."
Broader Context at Selhurst Park
Morrison reflected on the broader challenges facing Crystal Palace, acknowledging this pattern has occurred repeatedly throughout the club's history. "This has played out many times and Palace have always been alright," he remarked, while also discussing potential summer departures including Adam Wharton.
Regarding Palace's managerial situation, Morrison suggested the club will likely wait until summer when more candidates become available. "There's been talk about Gareth Southgate and he did such a good job with England getting them to major finals," he noted. "But Palace are in a position a lot of clubs are in where they will wait until the summer when there are going to be lots of changes."
