Man United had to buy ‘different gravy’ ex-Man City striker – Jeff Stelling
Man United were wrong to sign Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee when they could have got Ipswich’s Liam Delap instead, claims Jeff Stelling.
As the January transfer window approaches, former Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host Stelling has raised some important questions about Man United’s strategy in the market as the club enter another new era under Ruben Amorim.
Last season’s summer signing Hojlund has managed just one goal in eight league appearances, and his fellow Red Devil’s striker Zirkzee has struggled for form with only one of his own this term, leaving United desperately in need of a reliable scorer.
The Red and White army are currently the fifth-lowest scoring side in the Premier League, with only 13 goals this season.
Stelling asked on talkSPORT (24 November, 6.14am): “Who is he going to buy in January? Have they got the money? Will United feel that it’s worth investing in January? They’re going to have to pay premium prices, that’s for sure, if they do.
“My first question would be, ‘Why did they buy Hojlund and Zirkzee when they could have bought Liam Delap instead?’ Because he is different gravy compared to the other two.”
Ipswich star Liam Delap would bolster Man United’s attack
Football Insider Opinion
The 21-year-old has been one of the Tractor Boys’ standout players on their return to the Premier League, having scored six goals and made one assist in the 13 games so far.
Delap, son of former Premier League midfielder Rory Delap, joined Ipswich on a permanent transfer for £20 million in the summer from Man City’s academy having previously spent time on loan at Championship sides Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City.
On the 29th September, he scored both goals in a 2–2 home draw with Aston Villa, becoming the first Blues player to net twice in a Premier League game since Marcus Bent in March 2002.
Known for his strength and ability to hold off defenders, Delap’s style of play is defined by his physicality and work rate, making him a constant threat in the air and in attacking duels. He is comfortable both with his back to goal and when running into spaces behind defenses, often using his pace to stretch opposition lines.
In stark contrast to Ipswich’s impressive 113 kilometers of distance covered this weekend, United ran just 102 kilometers—the second lowest in the entire Premier League this season.
This gap highlights a potential area for improvement in the Red Devils overall work rate. Delap’s relentless pressing and tireless runs off the ball could help instil a stronger sense of urgency and movement across United’s forward line, addressing concerns over the team’s intensity and pressing game.
His ability to get into dangerous positions and finish with power or accuracy has earned him a reputation as a clinical striker, though his development continues as he refines his technical skills and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
On the other hand, the chances of City allowing a major prospect for the future to head across Manchester to Old Trafford seems pretty fanciful, and the way things are going they may be forced to step in to keep him away from Chelsea if they are to avoid another Cole Palmer situation.
In other news, Man United fans have been left stunned by Ruben Amorim after his confession.
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