Lukaku 2.0 – Man Utd Holding Talks Over £40m Striker

Lukaku 2.0 – Man Utd Holding Talks Over £40m Striker

By | April 2, 2025

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Last updated on April 2, 2025

3 min read
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Delap Could Be United’s Lukaku 2.0
Image credit: Ruud’s Foxes

Manchester United’s search for a prolific striker continues. Although Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system is showing promise, the club remains inconsistent.

United heads into the international break with optimism after strong wins against Real Sociedad and Leicester City, though their attacking struggles were clear in a recent 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, where they fired 23 shots without scoring.

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combining for just six Premier League goals, it’s evident that United still lacks a reliable number nine.

United’s top scorers this season highlight the ongoing issue, with the team managing just 37 goals in 30 Premier League matches during the 2024/25 season.

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In contrast, their city rivals, Manchester City, have seen Erling Haaland surpass 20 goals each season.

United’s Ongoing Striker Search

Despite spending over £100m on Hojlund and Zirkzee, United’s striker woes remain unresolved.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the club is once again in the market for a proven striker.

Reports suggest that INEOS is eyeing high-profile targets such as Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, but United is now reportedly considering a more affordable option in Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils have already held internal discussions about the 22-year-old striker, who has drawn interest from at least five clubs.

Delap could be available for around £40m, especially if Ipswich faces relegation.

With technical director Jason Wilcox having previously worked with Delap at Manchester City’s academy, United may have an edge in securing his signature.

Why Delap Could Be United’s Lukaku 2.0

The last senior striker United signed from the Premier League was Romelu Lukaku in 2017.

While Lukaku’s time at Old Trafford was divisive, his 42 goals in 96 appearances now stands as a decent return compared to the club’s current forwards.

Much like Lukaku, Delap has a reputation as a dominant, physical forward.

In his debut Premier League season, Delap has netted 10 goals—more than any United player in 2024/25—and has been described as a “problem for every Premier League defense” by data analyst Ben Mattinson.

Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones has called Delap a “wrecking ball” due to his physicality, comparing him to a younger Lukaku.

His ability to progress the ball has been a standout feature, ranking in the top 18% of European strikers for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, according to FBref.

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