Manchester United have been cautioned that signing Ipswich Town’s promising striker Liam Delap alone will not be enough to address their goalscoring woes for the upcoming season, according to club legend Gary Pallister. The former United defender, a key figure in the club’s dominant 1990s era, emphasized that while Delap’s potential is undeniable, the Red Devils must also secure a seasoned finisher to complement the young forward if they hope to compete at the highest level.
Delap, a 22-year-old England Under-21 international, has emerged as a top target for United following an impressive breakout campaign with Ipswich Town. Despite the Tractor Boys’ likely relegation, Delap has shone, netting 12 goals in 33 Premier League appearances. His pace, physicality, and finishing have drawn comparisons to a young Alan Shearer, with a £30 million release clause—triggered if Ipswich go down—making him an attractive, cost-effective option for United. The club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, who worked with Delap at Manchester City’s academy, is reportedly a driving force behind the interest, seeing him as a potential upgrade over current forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who have managed just three league goals each this season.
However, Pallister, speaking recently, warned that United’s attacking struggles, with only 37 goals in 31 league games, demand more than a single signing. “Liam Delap has shown he can score goals in a struggling side, and that’s no small feat,” Pallister said. “He’s got the raw attributes to be a top striker—strength, speed, and a knack for finding the net. But United can’t pin all their hopes on a 22-year-old who’s still developing. They need a proven goalscorer, someone who can deliver 20-plus goals a season, to share the burden and help turn draws into wins.” Pallister’s comments come as United languish in 13th place, having failed to score in 12 Premier League matches this season, a statistic that threatens to set a club record for their lowest goal tally in the competition’s history.
The need for a reliable finisher has been a recurring issue at Old Trafford. Hojlund, a £64 million signing from Atalanta, has struggled for consistency, while Zirkzee, acquired for £36.5 million from Bologna, has yet to adapt fully to the Premier League’s demands. Manager Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, has openly acknowledged the team’s lack of cutting edge, with United’s meager two goals in their last four league games underscoring the urgency for reinforcements. Amorim’s preference for a high-pressing, dynamic system aligns with Delap’s skill set, but Pallister believes a more experienced head is essential to mentor the youngster and provide immediate impact.
Names like Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have been linked with United, though Gyokeres’ £60 million price tag and Osimhen’s high wage demands pose financial challenges. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha, with a £62.5 million release clause, has also emerged as a potential target, valued for his versatility and 15 goals this season. However, United’s transfer budget, reportedly limited to £20-30 million without player sales, may hinge on offloading high-earners like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony, who have been loaned out this season.
Pallister, who won three Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his nine-year stint at United, drew on the club’s history of pairing emerging talents with established stars. “When I played, we had young players like Ryan Giggs breaking through, but they were supported by the likes of Mark Hughes and Eric Cantona, who knew how to win games on their own,” he recalled. “Delap could be a fantastic signing, but without someone to lead the line and take the pressure off, United risk another season of frustration.”
The competition for Delap’s signature adds further complexity. Chelsea, leveraging connections from their staff’s time at Manchester City, are strong contenders, while Arsenal, Juventus, and clubs from Spain and Germany are also monitoring the situation. Delap’s desire for regular playing time and a platform to push for England’s 2026 World Cup squad could sway his decision, with United’s lack of European football next season—unless they win the Europa League—potentially a stumbling block.