- Manchester United wanted to sign Liam Delap last summer
- Former Ipswich striker rejected Reds
- Poor form this season leaves United with no regrets
Last summer, Manchester United were adamant in signing a striker to replace the struggling Rasmus Hojlund.
Three names made the final shortlist. They were Victor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Liam Delap. Gyokeres played under Ruben Amorim, but the finances were too high for a 27-year old.
Delap was director of football Jason Wilcox’s recommendation, whilst the Reds went on to successfully sign Sesko from RB Leipzig.
United Have the Last Laugh
Delap, who was at Ipswich Town, was seen as the cost-effective solution available for £30m due to a relegation clause. So, United were left disappointed when the striker opted to sign for rivals Chelsea instead.
One of the reasons the 23-year-old snubbed United was that the Blues could offer him European football. Although the Blues made it to the last 16, the striker only started one game in the Champions League. Due to different injury and selection reasons, he played just 185 minutes in Europe’s elite competition. As it stands, Chelsea will not qualify for any continental football next season either.
Likewise in the Premier League, he has struggled for consistency. From eleven starts, he has just scored one league goal in 2025/26. Joao Pedro has been preferred in a one striker system.
On Tuesday (21 April), Chelsea succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Brighton, with former Red Devil Danny Welbeck putting the nail in the coffin on Chelsea’s European hopes. During the game, defender Malo Gusto threaded a pass to Delap in a 1v1 with an opposition defender. Even with the goalkeeper off his line, Delap made nothing of the opportunity. He cornered himself instead, which showed the lack of confidence in a striker who scored 12 league goals for Ipswich last season.
Delap Chose Wrongly
It was rather short-sighted of Delap at the time to prefer Chelsea over United based on European football. Over the years, United’s pull has never gone away.
Even when there was no Champions League football to offer, the club signed mega-stars. Players such as Angel Di Maria, Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Casemiro all signed when the club were playing in the Europa League.
He may see himself even leaving Chelsea on loan for 2026/27, especially if Nico Jackson returns from Bayern Munich. This is a player void of confidence, having not scored in his last 21 matches.
Next season, Delap will be watching United from his home instead of on the pitch alongside Alejandro Garnacho. United have not yet mathematically qualified for UCL football, but their destiny is in their hands. Michael Carrick‘s side needs just five points from their final five games.
Instead, their chosen striker in Sesko, has laid the groundwork for a successful career at Old Trafford. There will be no regrets from INEOS that they signed the Slovenian instead, who has been praised for his obsession with football and self-improvement.
