Manchester United return to Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur after the three-week international break. Michael Carrick's side will hope to right the wrongs of a disappointing start to the season, with the club sitting in 12th. 

The Red Devils have been boosted over the international break, with players like Leny Yoro, Senne Lammens and Lisandro Martinez starring for their countries. Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt have also made major strides toward returning to the matchday squad in the coming weeks. 

However, the weakness lies in the attack. Benjamin Šeško is in and out of the team due to an ongoing shin injury that kept him out of pre-season. 

Even with Amad's injury, the combination of Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo as the front three has not clicked so far. It is not a surprise to see the club linked to forwards.

Šeško has proven he has the capability and potential to be the starting striker in years to come. However, the club lacks a front-line profile remotely similar to the Slovenian, so the attack doesn't have the same fluidity as last season. 

Igor Matanovic could be the striker who can fill the role as not only a like-for-like deputy for Sesko, but also a player who can compete with United's number 30. 

Since moving to Freiburg in 2025, the Croatian has gone from strength to strength, scoring 15 goals in all competitions last season, and has already scored six goals in seven games in all competitions this season. 

At 6'4, with powerful physical attributes and aerial strength and ability similar to Sesko, he's a very interesting proposition. While a move isn't expected in January, the striker has attracted interest from United, Arsenal and Chelsea, according to FootballInsider.

In the same report, it stated that Matanovic would jump at the chance to join the Red Devils next summer. 

It seems unlikely that Manchester United will manage to bring in a striker on a permanent basis in January unless they manage to secure a permanent sale for Zirkzee.

However, given the Dutchman has only been linked with loan moves away, it makes it unlikely the club could go for Matanovic right now unless it is an exceptional bargain.

But if the club brought in a stop-gap loan move to help financially secure a left-back too, then it means that next summer they could be in a position to sign a permanent option next summer. 

Transfermarkt values the striker currently at £25 million, but if he keeps up this form, you could expect him to be available for around £45 - £55 million, given he plays for Freiburg, who sold Johan Manzambi for a similar fee to Aston Villa.