Transfer expert David Ornstein has handed Manchester United mixed news regarding their pursuit of a player deemed a “perfect” signing for Rúben Amorim this summer.
Manchester United are expected to prioritise attacking reinforcements this summer as Rúben Amorim’s side continue to falter in front of goal.
Bruno Fernandes remains the lone bright spark in an otherwise underperforming attack, with the front three consistently failing to provide a goal threat. Their patchy form at Old Trafford has only intensified calls for change.
During the January window, United loaned out several attacking players — Antony to Real Betis, Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa, and Ethan Wheatley to Walsall — leaving noticeable gaps in the squad.
Despite those exits, the club opted not to bring in any attacking reinforcements. Their only January signings came in defence: left wing-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and 18-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal — a quiet window that left supporters frustrated and questioning the club’s short-term vision.
Ornstein delivered mixed Delap update
One of the strikers United have been heavily linked to this summer is Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who has been fantastic for the Tractor Boys this season.
Speaking in a recent Q&A session with The Athletic, transfer specialist David Ornstein was asked about Delap’s release clause at Ipswich, and if this could only be triggered by his former club, Manchester City.
Ornstein explained in reply that he was not aware of the release clause, believed to sit at around £40 million, containing any sitipulations restricting who could activate it, and that City instead have a buy-back clause.
This could be seen as a potential blow to United as City could look to scupper a potential move to United, although Ornstein did explain that he expects Delap to move this summer, with United in the mix for the young striker.
“I expect him to move, with Chelsea and Manchester United among his many suitors,” he said.
A further report from The Athletic has also stated that although Chelsea have shown the most interest in Delap, United are looking at him as a potential summer signing.
Delap dubbed “perfect” for United
With United struggling for goals, former Sir Alex Ferguson defender Paul Parker has dubbed Delap an “absolutely perfect” signing for Amorim’s team.
“You could say that Liam Delap is an ideal forward to play for Manchester United, which is easy to say because Manchester United doesn’t have a centre-forward at this moment in time, so Liam Delap would make a massive difference,” Parker said.
“He can take the ball down, fight people off, doesn’t go down easy, and he makes those unselfish runs in behind. He would be absolutely perfect for Manchester United and a lot of other teams in the Premier League.”
This season, Delap has 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances, which is impressive considering Ipswich’s struggles in the competition.
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.