Manchester United Pushing to Sign 12-Goal Premier League Forward – Report | OneFootball

Man Utd Eye Liam Delap as European Stakes Heighten

As Manchester United navigate a make-or-break week in their pursuit of European football, attention is increasingly shifting to the summer transfer window—and specifically to Ipswich Town’s rising star, Liam Delap.

Delap, 22, has been a standout performer in the Premier League this season despite Ipswich’s struggles. The former Manchester City academy product has struck 12 goals for the Tractor Boys, showcasing his potential even as the club teeters on the brink of relegation. His form has not gone unnoticed.

According to The Daily Star, both Manchester United and Chelsea are vying for the striker’s signature. Yet with United sitting 13th in the league table, their hopes of securing European football next season hinge entirely on winning the Europa League.

“The advantage is likely to fall to the club that can offer Delap European football next season,” The Daily Star reports. With Chelsea currently fourth in the Premier League and seemingly bound for the Champions League, United’s path is more precarious. That dynamic could heavily influence Delap’s decision.

Photo: IMAGO

Europa League Becomes the Lifeline

United’s quarter-final clash against Lyon on Thursday is now far more than a fixture. It represents the last viable route to the Champions League—a scenario that significantly impacts their ability to attract top-tier talent this summer.

Having already exited the FA Cup and well adrift in the league, new manager Ruben Amorim is under pressure to deliver instant silverware. Not just to salvage the campaign, but to lay the groundwork for his intended rebuild.

As The Daily Star notes: “It appears that sealing a Champions League place will be crucial to Amorim’s ability to land his top targets in the summer transfer window.” The message is clear: success in Europe equates to leverage in the market.

Amorim’s Summer Overhaul Looms

The reported pursuit of Delap aligns with United’s broader strategy to rejuvenate the squad. Amorim is expected to overhaul the squad this summer, with several high-profile names either underperforming or facing uncertain futures.

Delap fits a profile United have lacked – a dynamic, hard-running striker with an instinct for goals. While Rasmus Højlund continues to show promise, competition and rotation will be vital if United return to the Champions League.

Photo IMAGO

What makes Delap particularly appealing is his experience in English football combined with untapped upside. “Delap is on Manchester United and Chelsea’s radar,” the report confirms, and in a market increasingly defined by potential over profile, his 12-goal season might be enough to trigger a summer scramble.

Chelsea’s Position Complicates United’s Plans

If Chelsea finish inside the top four—and all signs point to them doing so—the Blues will present a more compelling package to Delap. The presence of European football, a young squad, and stability under Enzo Maresca could prove difficult to compete with.

Still, United have their own historical pull. Should Amorim secure Champions League qualification via the Europa League, the scales may tip in their favour.

United are not just rebuilding—they’re repositioning. Delap could be a headline name in that process if they can overcome Thursday’s challenge in Lyon and go on to lift the trophy.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, the situation is bittersweet. There’s genuine excitement around the pursuit of Liam Delap—he’s young, Premier League-tested, and carries the kind of hunger Old Trafford needs more of. But the reality is, without Champions League football, the club risks losing out again in the transfer race. The days of banking solely on the badge are gone.

The Europa League now carries stakes far greater than a trophy. It’s the gateway to attracting players like Delap, who—at 22—is unlikely to want a step backwards after proving himself in a struggling side. Amorim’s project may be exciting, but without European football, it’s a hard sell.

There’s also the fear that Chelsea’s structure and clarity make them a more appealing destination. United can still sway the outcome, but it’s all riding on what happens in Lyon and beyond. If this Delap deal falls through, it won’t just be about losing a striker—it will be another reminder that without results, reputation alone won’t cut it in modern football.