Alan Shearer has shared his belief that one of Manchester United’s targets for the summer transfer window would start over two players at Old Trafford.
One of Manchester United’s most pressing concerns in recent seasons has been the absence of a reliable and consistent goal scorer.
Marcus Rashford has been the only player to regularly find the back of the net, scoring 30 goals during the 2022/23 season. However, with the England forward expected to leave following his loan stint at Aston Villa, significant questions remain about the depth and quality of United’s attacking lineup.
Despite spending a combined £107 million on Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the last two summer transfer windows, United are in desperate need of another striker.
It has been reported that the club are already searching for a no.9 ahead of the next window and various names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Shearer believes “arrogant” Delap will start over £107m duo
While there have been bigger names, such as Victor Osimhen, rumoured with a move to the club, United are also looking at some younger talent.
Liam Delap is 22 years of age but going through his first season in the Premier League. He has 11 goals despite being in a relegation scrap with Ipswich Town.
The England Under-21s international is one of the most promising young strikers in the Premier League and Alan Shearer believes that he’d be an upgrade on United’s current strike-force if they were to sign him
“Big clubs will be looking at him, because I think he’s got something about him,” Shearer told Betfair. “He’s got an arrogance about him, which I really like and he’s got an aura.
“He’s already been linked with a number of clubs in the Premier League and looking at who he’s been linked with I think he can go in and command a starting role, because he’s better than anything Man United have got up front.
“I think the good sign is that he’s done really well in a struggling team and has, without a doubt, been the standout. They’ll do well to keep hold of him and Ipswich fans will not want to hear that.
“Having had a taste of the Premier League, he won’t want to go back to the Championship.”
United fans will have Delap doubts
Some United fans are concerned with a potential move for Delap – and understandably so due to first-hand experience of seeing Højlund’s struggles at Old Trafford.
The Dane was extremely highly rated when he arrived at the club but has slowly been beaten down by simply not being ready to be the club’s main goalscorer.
Read More: Rúben Amorim fires warning shot at Manchester United trio ahead of crunch Man City clash
On the other hand, Delap would be available for around £40 million, which is a much more modest price tag, and also already has experience in the Premier League.
He has also showcased the ability to score goals in a team that isn’t dominating possession or creating boatloads of chances. That is where Højlund has struggled a lot.
Delap could certainly be a solid signing for the club but those doubts would exist up until he’s scoring consistently in United colours.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.