Allardyce Makes Case for Thiago Over Mateta in Manchester United Summer Rebuild

Sam Allardyce has thrown his weight behind a move for Brentford's Igor Thiago, insisting Manchester United need look no further when it comes to bolstering their attacking options this summer.

The 24-year-old Brazilian has been nothing short of a revelation for the Bees this season, rattling in 21 goals across 32 appearances—a remarkable turnaround for a player who missed the vast majority of the 2024/25 campaign through injury. His resurgence has naturally pricked the ears of several top-flight and continental outfits eyeing a summer raid.

Brentford face an uphill struggle keeping hold of their prized asset, with head coach Keith Andrews having already sung his praises in the most glowing terms. Following Thiago's brace against Everton last weekend, Andrews was effusive in his praise.

"Staying fit and getting those minutes under his belt has been the key for him this season," the Brentford boss explained. "We've always known what he's capable of. Yes, the goals grab the headlines, but his overall play keeps improving. He's evolving constantly, and he's demonstrating himself to be a very, very special player."

United's summer blueprint centres on a midfield overhaul, though the prospect of adding attacking reinforcements to compete alongside Benjamin Sesko remains very much on the table.

Allardyce reckons Thiago represents a superior proposition to Crystal Palace's Mateta, particularly when age and this season's goal tally are factored in. Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, the former manager made his position crystal clear.

"Who wouldn't want to sign Brentford's centre-forward, Igor Thiago?" Allardyce said. "Manchester United should look no further, in my opinion. He's already hit 20 goals—that's your answer right there. I thought they might move for Mateta, but perhaps his age gave them pause. This Brazilian lad has already bagged 20 and he's got Brentford knocking on Europe's door."

Not everyone agrees with that assessment, however. Bacary Sagna, the former Arsenal and Manchester City defender, has made the counter-argument that Mateta would be the shrewder acquisition for Old Trafford.

"A move for Mateta makes perfect sense at United," Sagna told Oddspedia. "They're lacking a proper number nine—someone with height, capable of holding the ball and finishing from crosses. Admittedly, bedding in at a new club where there's already been considerable upheaval could prove challenging, but Old Trafford would suit him and vice versa.

"Palace won't want to lose him either, and if the opportunity to test himself at one of England's biggest clubs comes calling, the moment feels right. He's not getting any younger, and this could be one of his final chances to make a marquee move. If United come knocking, he'll likely push for it to happen."