Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Tue 1 April 2025 18:29, UK

Man United will be keeping an eye on Ipswich Town’s end-of-season run-in as the potential for a Liam Delap bargain deal emerges.

Kieran McKenna’s side are currently nine points from safety, winning just three of their 29 league games so far, and only nine matches remaining to save themselves from relegation.

While fears of playing Championship football have not quite reached Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim is under tremendous pressure at Man United as their form continues to fluctuate across competitions.

One of Amorim’s biggest problems has been finding a consistent goalscorer, with Amad’s long-term injury leaving Man United with Bruno Fernandes as the team’s most prolific player with 16 goals.

However, the former Sporting CP manager might have already found a way to fix that issue ahead of the summer transfer window, but it will mean praying for the downfall of another Premier League side.

Man United wishing for Ipswich’s demise in chase for Liam Delap

According to the Daily Mail [1 April], Man United have held further internal talks over a summer deal for Delap, who continues to impress despite his team’s struggles.

It is understood that in the event of the Tractor Boys being relegated from the Premier League, a £40m release clause will be triggered in the player’s contract, making him more affordable than other options such a Hugo Ekitike.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United are all keeping tabs on the 22-year-old striker, with Man City also having a buyback option, though connections with Jason Wilcox hand the Red Devils a key advantage.

Ruben Amorim must be awarded time after slow start to life at Old Trafford

Football Insider verdict

Despite being under incredible pressure from the Old Trafford faithful, the Red Devils have still reached the Europa League quarter-finals and are expected to advance to the next round.

While Lyon have showcased their ability to dismantle teams in Europe, including Rangers and Fenerbahce, United are finally in some of the best form of their entire season, which could not be better for Amorim.

Both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund finally look to have found some form in front of goal, with the latter scoring in Denmark’s opening win over Portugal during the international break.

Supporters remain unconvinced that either can carry the team forward on a consistent basis, though, and many believe that Delap could be the answer to that specific problem ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Of course, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting antics at Man United, it might prove difficult to fund a deal for a big-name striker, but Delap’s secret release clause means a deal is still alive ahead of the summer.