Manchester United came close to signing Liam Delap last summer but there will now be some relief that he ended up at Chelsea instead.
Signing a new centre-forward was a top priority last summer and Manchester United showed interest in Liam Delap as their top target.
Delap had a £30 million release clause following Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League, but he chose to sign Chelsea’s contract offer instead of United’s.
Ineos instead went and struck a £66m deal for Benjamin Sesko, and the Slovenian has been much more productive than Delap in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals to Delap’s one.
According to CaughtOffside, United still have an “admiration” for Delap with Chelsea considering a summer exit. There isn’t just one reason why United should stay away, there are actually four.
Liam Delap has four major weaknesses that Man United must avoid
Delap has been in terrible form for Chelsea and it’s hard to argue against him being anything but a major transfer flop. United got a lucky escape, and they must not reignite their interest in the 23-year-old striker.
As per WhoScored, Delap has four key flaws to his game and they would make him a terrible fit in Michael Carrick’s system.
When compared to other strikers statistically, Delap ranks poorly in passing and defensive contributions, and very poorly in hold-up play and discipline.
In particular, the lack of discipline has been clear for all to see – Delap was labelled “embarrassing” by Enzo Maresca after picking up a needless red card in the Carabao Cup.
Man United must avoid striker signing for Chido Obi pathway
United’s top priority in the summer will be to strengthen the midfield department. Last summer was spent bolstering the attack, and it turned out to be a very impactful window for the Red Devils.
Sesko is growing in confidence, while Bryan Mbeumo has impressed as a centre-forward. As a result, Joshua Zirkzee has been starved of minutes.
With United targeting a return to Europe, they will need a much deeper squad next season, but talented youngster Chido Obi is ready to compete in the first team, and signing a new striker would only block his progress.
READ MORE: Manchester United may have another Liam Delap transfer situation on their hands
Obi has made great progress in the academy this season following his first-team breakthrough under Ruben Amorim.
In 2026/27, he will be ready to hit the ground running, and United should save their cash and trust in their young academy star.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/ghCoztf