Manchester United are heading into a crucial summer with a serious striker shortage threatening to derail Ruben Amorim’s rebuilding plans at Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund has shown glimpses of promise but lacks the consistency of a leading No 9, while Joshua Zirkzee’s campaign has been prematurely ended by injury.
Amorim knows that to challenge for top honours next season, United must solve their scoring woes, with goals proving frustratingly scarce throughout the current campaign.
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The club’s hopes of Champions League football — and by extension, their summer transfer budget — now hang on Europa League glory, with only a win guaranteeing them a place among Europe’s elite.
That uncertainty has intensified United’s pursuit of forward reinforcements, with a list of targets headed by a Premier League striker catching eyes across the continent.
Liam Delap has emerged as United’s top transfer priority, with the Ipswich Town forward now available for just £30 million following his side’s relegation from the Premier League.
The 22-year-old, who has notched an impressive tally despite playing for a struggling side, is seen as the perfect mix of strength, hunger, and homegrown quality.
However, United are not alone in the race, with Chelsea reportedly leading the competition after making a concrete contract offer to Delap’s representatives, as per the Daily Mail.
The Blues have told Liam Delap he will be given opportunities but must fight for his place, while Delap himself is said to be weighing up his next move carefully.
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Regular minutes and European football — ideally Champions League — are key priorities for the striker, and both United and Spurs are banking on winning the Europa League to tick those boxes.
Arsenal are also reportedly set to submit a bid for Delap.
Delap is in no rush, with the transfer window not officially opening until June 1, and sources close to the player say he will consider all offers before making a decision.
United, meanwhile, are keen to wrap up a deal swiftly to avoid a bidding war and to get their summer rebuild started early.
Should they miss out, Amorim has back-up options ready, including Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, but Delap remains the clear first choice.
The coming weeks will be decisive — and United’s ability to offer Champions League football could be the clincher.
