Manchester United believed that they had solved their striker conundrum when they secured the signature of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2025. The Slovenian, however, has struggled to live up to expectations so far at the Theatre of Dreams.
Sesko has registered 14 goals and one assist from 38 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils to date. He missed the tail end of last season with an injury and sat out the entire pre-season as he worked on his rehabilitation.
This season, Michael Carrick has used the 23-year-old mostly from the bench, while he also missed the 1-1 draw against Fulham with a knock. The situation has prompted talk of further reinforcements in the position in 2027.
United were interested in a new striker this summer, although they failed to get a deal across the line. Among the candidates who were considered for the job was Freiburg hitman Igor Matanovic.
Matanovic on fire this season
Matanovic was a revelation for the Bundesliga club last season, finishing with 15 goals in 50 appearances across competitions. The Croatian’s performances turned heads at Old Trafford, especially with Joshua Zirkzee also linked with an exit this summer.
Unfortunately, a move failed to materialise, while the Dutch striker also ended up staying. Zirkzee has yet to start a game this season and appears to be no longer in Carrick’s plans, fuelling speculation of an attacking addition in 2027.
Matanovic, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength with Freiburg, registering six goals and two assists in seven games across competitions this season.
Igor Matanovic Stats: 2026/27 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | - | 324' |
| UEFA Conference League Qualifying | 2 | 2 | 1 | - | - | - | 147' |
| DFB-Pokal | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 21' |
| Total | 7 | 6 | 6 | 2 | - | - | 492' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
It now appears that United are already laying down the groundwork ahead of a possible move for the 23 year old in 2027.
United retain Matanovic interest
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, United have enquired about the possibility of signing Matanovic in January. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs said: “Matanovic is not going to be easy to get out of Freiburg mid-season.”
“He has scored, I believe, six goals in seven games this season and 15 in all competitions in the last campaign. And that’s why a lot of European and English clubs are starting to look.”
“Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are the two that I have heard who have made enquiries, but I would personally be surprised if Freiburg sanction a mid-season exit.”
Final Thoughts
Matanovic is exactly the kind of red-hot striker United fans would like to see lead the line at Old Trafford. If an opportunity to sign him arises in January, the Red Devils should grab it with both hands.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 7/10
Why?
✅ Ben Jacobs has a decent record with United news.
✅ United wanted Igor Matanovic this summer.
TPP view
We believe it is possible that United could rekindle their interest in Matanovic in January. However, as the report suggests, it will not be easy to prise him away from Freiburg.
Featured image Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images
