Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Ipswich striker Liam Delap, identifying him as a key target for the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old forward, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City for £20m last summer, has impressed in his first Premier League season, scoring 12 goals in 30 appearances. His form has caught the attention of United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, and the club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, who see Delap as an ideal option to address the team’s struggles in attack. With just 37 goals scored in 31 Premier League games this season, United have been underwhelming in front of goal, and Delap’s arrival could provide the spark needed.
City, who sold Delap to Ipswich, hold a £40m buy-back clause but have no plans to exercise it at the moment. This situation leaves Manchester United with the opportunity to make their move. The fee for Delap is expected to be in the range of £40m or slightly more, and while Chelsea are also reportedly interested, Ipswich’s precarious position in the Premier League sitting 12 points adrift of safety with seven games remaining could make Delap more available. Should Ipswich be relegated, Delap’s price tag could become more flexible, providing United with an even clearer route to secure his signature.
United’s hunt for a centre-forward also extends to other targets, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen among the potential options. However, Delap’s profile fits the club’s need for a young, promising striker who can make an immediate impact in the Premier League. His ability to score consistently in his first full season at the top level has made him a highly sought-after talent.
Meanwhile, United’s goalkeeper, André Onana, has addressed recent criticisms regarding his slow distribution. Some fans have voiced discontent over his tendency to take extra time with the ball, rather than playing quick passes, but Onana has explained his approach as a deliberate tactical choice. The goalkeeper emphasized that his slower tempo at times is intended to benefit his teammates, offering them a chance to rest or regroup when necessary. He acknowledged that while this strategy may not always result in the perfect decision, it is made with the team’s needs in mind.
Onana also pointed to the recent goalless draw with Manchester City as an example of the need for such decision-making. With City dominating possession, Onana felt it was necessary to slow down play at times to give United’s players a chance to breathe and regain their composure. While his distribution has faced scrutiny, Onana remains unfazed, stressing that his ultimate goal is to help the team.
The pressure of playing for Manchester United, particularly at Old Trafford, is something Onana has been vocal about. He acknowledged that the club’s stature and the expectations surrounding it can create additional pressure. Despite the challenges, he views it as a source of motivation. The goalkeeper expressed a desire to win for the fans, especially given the team’s underwhelming season so far.
Looking ahead, United’s focus now turns to their Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon. The competition offers a final opportunity for the team to secure silverware and a potential route into next season’s Champions League. Onana is keenly aware of the importance of the tie and is determined to approach the match with a winning mentality. He believes that if the team remains focused, compact, and follows the game plan, they can come out on top against Lyon, though he also acknowledged that the match would not be easy.
