According to a new report, Manchester United are “very keen” to secure one star described as a “monster” as they see him as an update on two Rúben Amorim players.
Manchester United’s search for a reliable goal threat remains a major concern heading into the new season.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have carried much of the burden in recent years, with Rashford scoring an impressive 30 goals in the 2022/23 campaign.
But with Rashford expected to leave after his loan spell at Aston Villa and Fernandes now playing a deeper role under Rúben Amorim, United’s attacking depth looks worryingly thin.
Rasmus Højlund has shown signs of potential but still appears too raw to be the club’s main striker. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee seems more effective in a supporting role behind a traditional No. 9 rather than leading the line himself.
As the summer transfer window approaches, United are actively exploring options to bolster their attack — and reports suggest that the club have landed on Liam Delap as their top striker priority signing this summer.
United “very keen” to sign Delap
United’s lack of goals this season has seen the side massively hamstrung in their attempts to climb up the Premier League table – the side have scored just 37 goals in 31 fixtures in the competition, with the next lowest total from the ‘Big Six’ being Chelsea’s 54 goals.
A lot of this has been down to the lack of consistency from the forward line, hence the interest in a new striker this summer.
According to The Athletic, Delap features high on United’s list of summer targets, with the club “very keen” to make the transfer happen this summer.
The 22-year-old is said to have a release clause in his contract that drops to £30 million should Ipswich Town be relegated from the top flight, which is pretty much a certainty.
United’s interest in Delap has been regularly linked back to the fact that the club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, formerly worked as Manchester City’s Head of Academy and signed the young striker to the Blues from Derby County when he was 16.
Delap seen as upgrade on two players
While many fans appreciate Delap’s clear talent as a striker, there have been questions as to whether it is a wise choice to sign yet another U23 striker following Zirkzee and Højlund’s additions in the last few summers.
With neither player able to provide a consistent goal-scoring threat, some have pointed to the notion that the club should instead look to secure 26-year-old proven goal scorer Victor Osimhen, who is reportedly available for £55.5 million but would command a substantial wage.
However, the aforementioned Athletic report states that those within United see Delap as a clear “upgrade” on Højlund and Zirkzee and hold a “firm” belief that he is capable of filling the centre-forward role at Old Trafford.
Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer was full of praise for Delap following the club’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in February, stating: “You look at him, and he’s a monster. He’s a young lad that’s got the enthusiasm and energy – and also the talent.
Delap has 12 goals in the Premier League this season despite Ipswich’s struggles, which has been pointed out to be a fantastic record for a player in their debut Premier League campaign.
In his final season with City’s Academy, 2020/21, before loan moves with Stoke, Preston North End, and Hull City before joining Ipswich, the player scored 30 goals and provided six assists across 27 appearances.
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