Ian Wright has called on Manchester United to make a decisive move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap this summer, as the young forward’s performances continue to attract top clubs, including Chelsea.
Delap, 22, has made an impressive impact in his debut Premier League season, netting nine goals in 23 games since leaving Manchester City for Ipswich.
His physical presence and goal-scoring ability have drawn the attention of major teams, with Chelsea reportedly keeping a close eye on him. Additionally, Manchester City could still bring him back, having included a buy-back clause in his transfer.
United’s need for a reliable striker has become increasingly urgent, with their current attacking options failing to deliver.
Manager Ruben Amorim has even experimented with deploying midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine, a move that backfired in a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in February
Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to make an impact, managing only five league goals between them this season.
Despite opting against signing a forward in January, Wright believes United should prioritize Delap in the upcoming transfer window. Speaking on Wrighty’s House, the former Arsenal star was adamant about the club’s need for a hungry, determined forward.
“Go and get Delap,” Wright insisted. “He’s got that hunger and that fearless attitude—exactly what United need right now. He’s a hero waiting to happen.”
However, Wright also pointed out that United’s overall attacking play must improve if any striker is to succeed.
“Zirkzee got one against Leicester in the FA Cup, but United just don’t put the ball in the box enough,” he said. “There’s no structure in their attack, no consistent link-up play in the final third. Forwards don’t even know what to expect next.”
He further criticized United’s lack of attacking cohesion, questioning when fans last saw a forward scoring by making a decisive near-post run—something once common at Old Trafford.
As for Delap, he has remained focused on Ipswich despite growing speculation about his future. Speaking in December, he dismissed transfer talk, emphasizing his commitment to his current club.
“I don’t really pay attention to that,” Delap told Suffolk News. “I’m just focused on Ipswich and showing what we can do in the Premier League every week.”
With the summer transfer window approaching, United must decide whether to challenge Chelsea and Manchester City for one of the league’s brightest young strikers.