I’ve Watched Every Liam Delap Game This Season – Here Is What Manchester United Would Be Getting
Liam Delap’s name is making waves once again, and not just because of his famous footballing lineage. The 21-year-old striker, son of former Premier League long-throw specialist Rory Delap, has grown into a serious attacking threat in the 2024/25 campaign. On loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City, Delap has emerged as one of the most dynamic young centre-forwards in the league, attracting reported interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, and other top-six hopefuls.
Having watched every one of Delap’s games this season—league and cup—it’s clear he’s not just another prospect being hyped up because of potential. He’s already proving himself capable of thriving in high-pressure situations, and if United were to move for him, here’s exactly what they’d be getting.
—
1. Physical Presence With Technical Finesse
At first glance, Delap looks like your typical English number nine. Standing around 6’1”, he’s solid, mobile, and not afraid of a scrap with centre-backs. But what makes him so effective is the technical nuance in his game. He’s not just a battering ram up front; his touch is sharp, he’s composed on the ball, and he often drops deep to link play, showing intelligence beyond his years.
He combines the aggression of someone like Darwin Núñez with the ball control and finesse you’d associate with younger Harry Kane. When Ipswich play on the counter, Delap is usually the outlet—either carrying the ball himself or laying it off and spinning in behind. And crucially, he can finish.
—
2. A Relentless Work Rate
Every minute Delap is on the pitch, he’s pressing. His work ethic has been relentless this season. Even in matches where Ipswich have struggled to control possession, Delap remains a menace for defenders. He initiates the press, constantly looks to intercept loose balls, and helps out his midfield when needed.
That’s a trait Erik ten Hag—or any modern manager—would love. At Manchester United, a high-energy striker who can lead the press would be invaluable, especially if the team continues to lean on transitional football in big games. Delap’s engine doesn’t stop running, and that energy could help set the tone from the front at Old Trafford.
—
3. Smart Movement and Positional Awareness
Delap’s movement in the final third is one of the standout aspects of his game. He’s constantly making angled runs between the full-back and centre-back, exploiting half-spaces that many young forwards overlook. His off-the-ball intelligence is excellent for his age.
He’s not someone who waits for the ball to come to him—he actively seeks it out. In several matches this season, including tough fixtures against the likes of Liverpool and Spurs, Delap’s movement opened up space for Ipswich’s wide players and attacking midfielders to get shots off. United, who often suffer from static movement up front when Rashford or Martial play through the middle, would benefit massively from Delap’s proactive style.
—
4. Clinical but Still Growing as a Finisher
As of early April, Delap has 12 goals in the Premier League for an Ipswich side battling near the bottom of the table—a very respectable tally. Many of those goals have come from sharp finishes inside the box, often taken early to catch goalkeepers off guard. He’s confident on either foot, and he’s capable of scoring headers despite not being the tallest striker around.
That said, he’s still developing in this area. He occasionally snatches at chances, particularly when under pressure or when he has too much time to think. But the raw finishing ability is absolutely there. With the right coaching and mentorship—perhaps under someone like Rasmus Højlund, or in competition with him—Delap could develop into a 15-20 goal-a-season Premier League striker within two years.
—
5. Resilience and Mentality
Delap’s season hasn’t been without adversity. Ipswich have spent much of the year flirting with relegation, and he’s often had to work with scraps—isolated up top, feeding off long balls or hurried clearances. But he’s never sulked. He’s adapted, found ways to influence games even when the service is poor, and has become a leader in that team despite being one of its youngest members.
That resilience will appeal to Manchester United. The club is in a period of transition, and players who can handle pressure, fight for results, and maintain focus through the noise will be vital to any future rebuild.
—
6. Tactical Flexibility
One of the underrated parts of Delap’s game is how well he adapts to different systems. He’s played as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1, worked as part of a front two, and even played wider in a 4-3-3 when injuries hit Ipswich. His willingness to shift positions and understanding of different attacking patterns bodes well for a step up to a top-tier team, where roles may vary from game to game.
He’s also quick enough to run the channels and hold the ball up when needed, meaning he could rotate easily with Højlund or operate alongside him if United wanted to trial a two-striker system. Delap’s adaptability could give Ten Hag the tactical flexibility United often lack.
—
7. The Price and the Risk
Reports suggest that Delap has a £30 million release clause if Ipswich are relegated—a very real possibility. For a young, Premier League-proven striker with his profile, that’s a bargain. However, the leap from a relegation-battling side to Manchester United comes with its risks.
He’s yet to experience the expectation and scrutiny that comes with playing for a global club, and he’ll need to adjust to the demands of a high-possession, high-intensity system if United expect to return to the Champions League. But all signs point to a player with the character and talent to make that jump.
—
Conclusion: A Future England No. 9 in the Making?
Watching Liam Delap week in and week out this season has been an education in how a young striker develops through game time, adversity, and tactical learning. He’s grown from a raw, physically imposing centre-forward into a rounded, intelligent attacker with Premier League match-winning ability.
If Manchester United decide to activate his clause, they’ll be acquiring a player who can contribute immediately but has even greater potential down the line. In an era where young strikers like Evan Ferguson and Benjamin Šeško are commanding huge fees, Delap could be one of the most shrewd and impactful signings United make.
He may not be the finished product just yet—but if nurtured properly, Liam Delap could be the long-term cent
re-forward United have been searching for since the days of Robin van Persie.
Leave a Reply