Jamie Carragher has expressed his feelings about a rumoured Manchester United bound striker stating that the Premier League forward should move to United’s rivals instead.
Rúben Amorim faces a massive rebuilding task at Manchester United after a historically poor campaign saw the club finish 16th in the Premier League and crash out early from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
As they gear up for a high-stakes Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, the focus is also shifting toward the summer transfer window. United are aiming to bolster their attacking options, refresh the midfield, and reinforce the defence amid looming exits, all in a bid to reshape the squad.
One key area that United must focus on is the attack. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund have led the line poorly this season, with the duo combining to score just eight goals in the Premier League this season.
Many names have been circulating regarding a potential transfer to Old Trafford this summer. Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap have all been heavily linked in recent weeks.
Carragher urges Delap not to choose United
United have made progressive efforts to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and next for United seems to be an out-and-out striker, with Delap appearing to be one of the names on the radar.
Other clubs have their sights on the 22-year-old following an impressive debut season in the Premier League, with Chelsea also being heavily linked to the Ipswich Town striker.
However, former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher believes Delap should consider Everton, a club where expectations aren’t as great and game time would be guaranteed.
“I don’t think Delap should go to Man United,” Carragher told Sky Sports when asked about the choice facing a player who has a £30 million release clause in his contract.
“I just think, like what happened to Højlund, sometimes, I think, when you’re going from a team who have been relegated to… – I know Man United are 16th, but it’s Man United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, the eyes and ears.
“I just think that’s such a big step. I know people might say it’s from there (18th) to there (16th) in terms of league position, but Man United are a monster.
“I do (think he is an upgrade on Højlund), but I just think the next step should be something like… Everton – you know you’re going to play every week, you’re going to be the main man, you’re going to be one of the best players in the team.
“He is the best player in the team at Ipswich; everything goes through him. Go to another club where you’re that for another two years. Then go to Man United or another team in the Champions League, or are trying to compete at that level.”
However, it would be a bizarre move for Delap to join Everton over one of the Premier League’s top six, or even Newcastle, as he has clearly shown he has the ability to play higher in the league than a side such as David Moyes’ men.
Cunha deal approaches final stages
As speculation surrounds the number nine position, one deal that appears to be soon finalised is the transfer of Cunha from Wolves.
The 25-year-old has had a similar campaign to Bruno Fernandes, in which he has been the stand-out performer for his team. Cunha would provide another much-needed creative avenue of attack for the Reds.
“I think he’s a good player,” said club legend Gary Neville when asked about United’s interest in the Brazilian.
“Cunha is someone with that level of running ability suits Old Trafford. Delap has a level of potential and ability, but my fear is of the pressure on a young player coming to lead that line for United.
“We’ve already seen Zirkzee and Højlund struggle. Ruben Amorim has a specific style of play, and it’s quite clear he wants massive upheaval in the squad, and that’s getting players in and getting players out.
“They need forwards, obviously, but they need players in every position. And I think Amorim will want an absolute wipeout of the current squad. And that’s why they’ve had to start early.”
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