Manchester United have pinpointed a more attainable Premier League striker.
Moreover, the club is prepared with a backup plan if Ruben Amorim fails to secure his dream signings. They are ready to move quickly this summer.
Amorim’s squad faces several concerns. In January, United addressed one issue by signing wing-back Patrick Dorgu. However, the striker role remains problematic, especially after Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combined for just five goals in 43 Premier League appearances. In fact, Amorim even tried Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine, which left many fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United will sign a potent new striker this summer. Additionally, the club plans to add a player who can operate in one of the two supporting striker roles. Meanwhile, Amorim’s ultimate targets are Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. Gyokeres is expected to cost around €70m/£60m, while Osimhen may go for approximately €75m/£62m via his release clause.
In light of these high price tags, United have identified Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as a viable alternative. At just 22 years old, Delap has already turned heads following his £20m move from Manchester City to Ipswich. Furthermore, he currently boasts nine Premier League goals and two assists—a record that has excited many at Old Trafford.
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Delap’s profile makes him an intriguing option for Amorim. Although both Osimhen and Gyokeres are 26 and in their prime, Delap’s youth offers room for growth. Consequently, the club views him as a serious, cost-effective target who could develop into a top striker with proper nurturing.
On the financial side, Ipswich Town will demand a minimum of £40m for Delap. Additionally, Manchester City holds a 20 percent sell-on clause in the deal, which could complicate negotiations if Ipswich suffer relegation. Moreover, City’s buy-back clause adds another twist, but with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush already in their ranks, there is little incentive to re-sign Delap.
Other clubs, such as Chelsea and Tottenham, have also shown interest in Delap. However, United remain focused on strengthening their own squad. Meanwhile, the confusion over Patrick Dorgu’s preferred position has been resolved. Although he made his FA Cup debut at right wing-back, it is clear that the 20-year-old is destined to play on his favored left side in future matches.
Paul Scholes recently voiced his concerns over Dorgu’s initial deployment. He suggested that Amorim’s apparent mix-up might indicate that the manager’s head is a bit “fried.” Ultimately, these developments highlight the challenges Manchester United face in the striker department and signal a busy summer transfer window ahead.
