Manchester United Face Imperative to Sign New Striker This Summer
As the 2024/25 season draws to a close, Manchester United find themselves on the brink of yet another underwhelming campaign, with the Red Devils’ inability to secure a top-tier striker a glaring concern. According to reports, the club is poised to address this issue by signing a new striker this summer, a move that will undoubtedly be high on the agenda for new manager Ruben Amorim and club chiefs.
The Express understands that Manchester United’s current striker, Rasmus Hojlund, has failed to build on his promising debut year, with the 22-year-old’s goal tally significantly lagging behind expectations. Despite being the club’s top goalscorer in his maiden campaign with 16 strikes in all competitions, Hojlund has struggled to replicate this form this season, netting just eight goals in 45 appearances, including a paltry three in 28 Premier League games.
Hojlund’s shortcomings have contributed significantly to United’s toothless attack, a major factor in another disastrous season at Old Trafford. According to Amorim, Hojlund’s movement and anticipation are nowhere near the quality required, stating that the young striker needs to work on his game to become a more effective frontman. “A striker needs to score goals… so we try to help him, and he is trying really hard, and he wants things so bad he makes it worse,” Amorim explained ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth. “He created one situation against Wolverhampton, and he is improving the small things. The goal will come.”
The Portuguese head coach’s comments suggest that Manchester United will be in the market for a new striker this summer, with Amorim seemingly aware that Hojlund’s development into a top-class striker will be hindered if he continues to be the focal point of the team. The Express understands that Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has emerged as a potential target, with the 22-year-old boasting a £30m release clause in his contract once Ipswich’s Premier League relegation is confirmed. However, Manchester United are set to face stiff competition for Delap’s signature, with the club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, believed to be leading the interest.
Delap has enjoyed an impressive season, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League, a tally that no United player has achieved across the last two seasons. With his pace, movement, and finishing ability, Delap appears to possess the qualities that Amorim is looking for in a striker, and the Express understands that Manchester United will be keen to secure his services this summer.
Manchester United’s need for a new striker is further highlighted by the fact that Hojlund was handed a staggering £72million price tag when he was signed from Atalanta in 2023. With Amorim at the helm, the club will be hoping that Hojlund can grow into the potential that scouts believed he possessed, but it appears that the young striker’s development will be best served by taking him out of the spotlight and bringing in a more experienced and clinical frontman.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United will be keen to address their striker issue, with Amorim and club chiefs aware that failure to do so will condemn the Red Devils to another season of mediocrity. With Delap emerging as a potential target, the Express understands that Manchester United will be working tirelessly to secure his signature and provide Amorim with the attacking options he needs to restore the club to its former glory.
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