Liam Delap has completed a switch to Chelsea, turning down interest from Manchester United in favour of Champions League football next season. The 21-year-old striker, who impressed with 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich Town last season, was on United’s radar as they look to strengthen their attacking options under new boss Ruben Amorim.
Despite the Red Devils’ long-standing interest and Delap’s own openness to the move, Chelsea’s European qualification proved decisive. Their spot in the Champions League presented a more attractive project, especially compared to a struggling United side that finished a lowly 15th and failed to qualify for any European competition.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has responded to Delap’s snub, suggesting it could be a blessing in disguise. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand praised Delap’s potential but insisted United need a seasoned striker rather than another emerging talent.
Ferdinand highlighted United’s ongoing issues developing young forwards, using Rasmus Højlund as an example. The Danish striker, signed for £75m, has struggled to find consistency amid a lack of experienced guidance up front. Ferdinand argued that adding another raw forward like Delap would do little to solve United’s attacking problems.
He pointed out that United already have top youth talent like Chido Obi-Martin and that their focus should now be on acquiring an experienced, proven goalscorer to support or lead the line—something the club has lacked in recent seasons.
After missing out on Delap, United may now pivot toward bigger targets. Talks have been held regarding Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. However, Arsenal remain favourites for Gyökeres, while Osimhen is also weighing a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
With United open to overhauling their squad—including potential exits for Rashford, Sancho, Antony, and even Garnacho—the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping their forward line for the upcoming campaign.