A summer transfer window is an exciting time for Manchester United fans, and a new striker might be on INEOS’ agenda this year. Uncertainty is growing over Joshua Zirkzee’s future as he continues to lack game time.
The Dutch attacker has started just four of 16 Premier League games this season. He has failed to impress since arriving from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for a £36.5m deal.
Zirkzee has been linked with AS Roma, and a return to Italy might be for the best. United look to be preparing for his potential exit amid reports suggesting they are tempted to reignite interest in a Chelsea frontman.
Man United not done with Delap
Manchester United were keen on signing Liam Delap last summer before the English striker opted to move to Stamford Bridge. A £30m release clause in his contract with Ipswich Town came to fruition following their relegation.
Delap has flopped thus far with the Blues, managing three goals and five assists in 30 games across competitions. He has been handed a bit-part role as a result of his disappointing displays in West London.
The Athletic’s Chelsea reporter Simon Johnson gave a grim verdict of Delap’s performance in a 3-1 win over Wolves earlier this month. He claimed that the 23-year-old was “struggling” to get into the game.
According to CaughtOffside, United could push for Delap if Zirkzee leaves. The Reds are ready to swoop if he becomes available on the market for a lower price.
Jason Wilcox knows the Englishman from his time working at Manchester City. It’s claimed that the club are still admirers despite his frustrating spell at Stamford Bridge.
A dangerous decision
If Manchester United were to move for Delap, it would be a massive risk given his poor performances this season. He chose Chelsea over the Red Devils, and INEOS’ strategy has been to sign players who only want to play for the Old Trafford outfit.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo snubbed interest from the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United to join the Reds. They were prepared to reject Champions League football when making their moves to the Theatre of Dreams.
Delap impressed at Ipswich and caught the eye during his debut Premier League campaign with Kieran McKenna’s side. He bagged 12 goals in 37 games, which put the club on alert.
The pressure of playing for one of English football’s biggest clubs seems to have taken hold this season. He hasn’t shown he is capable of thriving in a high-profile environment and INEOS need to acknowledge this.
The alternative
If United are tasked with signing a Zirkzee replacement, they need to look no further than Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman is Premier League proven and is expected to leave Selhurst Park in the summer.
Mateta failed a medical ahead of a proposed move to AC Milan, and the Italians pulled the plug on a £30m deal. The Serie A giants were concerned with the condition of his knee, and he returned to Palace.
Oliver Glasner has downplayed the extent of his knee injury and ruled out the 28-year-old requiring surgery. He is expected to return in 2-3 weeks.
Mateta hasn’t been at his best this season, but the Eagles have also faltered after winning the FA Cup last season. He has managed 10 goals and two assists in 34 games across competitions.
The French striker was crucial for Glasner in the 2024-25 campaign and could be the perfect backup option to rotate with Benjamin Sesko. He’s spent years in the English top-flight, and the fee Milan agreed to pay Palace is more than reasonable if United need to replace Zirkzee.
