Liam Delap urged to pick Manchester United ahead of Arsenal or Chelsea
Arsenal legend and now pundit Paul Merson has urged Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to consider joining Manchester United or Aston Villa over Chelsea or Arsenal. The Arsenal legend advised the young forward to choose a club that aligns with his playing style in order to continue his development effectively.
Manchester United, currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, are pinning their hopes on a strong Europa League run to salvage a difficult season. The Red Devils recently parted ways with Erik ten Hag, with Ruben Amorim taking charge midway through the campaign.
However, Amorim has yet to truly impose himself on the team, struggling to get the best out of the squad he inherited. The Portuguese coach remains committed to his signature tactical setup, a three-man defence which brought him success at Sporting CP and is something he’s keen to replicate at Old Trafford.
However, Amorim currently lacks the personnel required to fully implement his system, and will look to the summer transfer window to bring in players that fit his vision. Financial constraints remain a major concern for the Portuguese manager, especially as multiple areas of the squad require strengthening.
Speaking to Sky Sports (via Metro), Merson advised Ipswich star Delap to pick United or Villa over Chelsea or Arsenal. He said:
‘It’s not always about the money, it’ll be about he’s [Delap] a young kid, what game suits him, what team suits him for the way he plays and the chances he gets. For me, who ticks the box would be Aston Villa. Big pitch, they play on the counter attack as well, so teams come and have a go at Aston Villa, I don’t mean that disrespectfully. But they [opposing teams] will have a go at them. I just think with a bigger club, like Chelsea or Arsenal, Man City, they sit 10 behind the ball. I think Man United would be a good fit, I think Man United would be a brilliant fit for him. He’s willing, he makes good runs, he’s strong, he can hold the ball up and he can score goals.”
Merson made some valid points, as Manchester United are in need of a forward like Delap, and his £30 million valuation makes him a relatively affordable option compared to others on the market. The Red Devils currently rely on Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund to fill the No. 9 role, but both have struggled for consistency this season.
Both players have failed to justify the hefty price tags United paid to secure their services, often struggling with inconsistency in front of goal. At Sporting Lisbon, Amorim thrived with a prolific striker in Viktor Gyökeres, who played a key role in his tactical setup and overall success, highlighting the importance of having a reliable centre-forward in his system.
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Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Ipswich forward possesses both the age profile and the Premier League experience to thrive under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. His physicality, work rate, and ability to link play could make him a natural fit in the Portuguese manager’s system. However, the battle for his signature is far from over, with several other top clubs closely monitoring his situation, setting up a competitive race for one of England’s most promising young strikers.