Manchester United has appointed a new manager, Reuben Amorim, after parting ways with Erik ten Hag. Amorim had a fantastic season with Sporting, boasting 32 wins out of 32 matches. However, his time at Manchester United hasn’t been so smooth. Maybe we should ask the favorite question on everyone’s mind: Is Manchester United cursed? But anyway, let’s leave that for another day.
According to reports from Sky Sports and renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are currently in talks for a striker—just like Chelsea and Arsenal. Although, between United and Chelsea, I could easily call them two hideous twins right now.
Yes, United are on the lookout for a striker—and hopefully a winger too.Because, erm, I honestly don’t know if they’ll be sticking with Garnacho on the wings. And please, for the love of football, a new goalkeeper.
Now, let’s talk striker options.
United are interested in a number of options—making inquiries here and there—but two names stand out: Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen.
Liam Delap or Victor Osimhen: Who Would Be United’s Statement Signing This Summer?
There are probably two or three major factors that will determine the outcome: age, experience, and whether the player is Premier League-proven.
Liam Delap has played in the Premier League and is currently still playing there for relegation-threatened Ipswich. He’s registered 12 goals and 2 assists in 32 games. On the other hand, Victor Osimhen has no Premier League experience—unless you want to count:
Scoring against Chelsea in the Champions League at 21.
Winning a penalty against Liverpool after forcing one of the Premier League’s most experienced defenders to foul him.
Scoring a brace to equalize against Leicester City in the Europa League.
So maybe scratch that—he’s not Premier League-proven, I guess?
Delap reportedly has a £30m relegation clause in his contract, so if Ipswich go down (which is likely), he has the option to leave. Manchester City also have a buy-back clause. Manchester United might be leaning toward what they consider “Premier League-proven,” especially after signing Rasmus Højlund from Serie A, who’s scored just 1 goal in 28 games so far.
Frankly, I never understood that signing, considering he had only 6 goals in all competitions for Atalanta. Even if that’s a scouting department mishap, United might be hesitant to spend £70m (which is Osimhen’s release clause, by the way) on someone without Premier League experience.
At 22, Delap may tick the “PL-proven” box for some fans, but he definitely doesn’t tick the “experience” or “in-his-prime” boxes. United are already dealing with 22-year-old Højlund, 23-year-old Joshua Zirkzee (who has shown some spark but still needs time), and 20-year-old Garnacho on the wings. It’s clear United need a striker in his prime who can lead while Zirkzee adjusts.
It’s not that I have an issue with age—I’m definitely not an age stereotype—but considering United’s history of failed young signings, maybe it’s time to invest in experience up front and develop the younger guys as backups.
Now, as for Victor…
He’s 26 years old and has scored over 100 goals in his career, including 76 in 133 games for Napoli. Currently on loan at Galatasaray, he has 29 goals in 34 games. Osimhen clearly ticks the boxes for age, experience, and could easily serve as a guardian angel for Zirkzee.
Yes, I know I once wrote an article shipping him off to Arsenal or Chelsea, but that’s just a testament to his versatility and ability to adapt anywhere—including Barcelona, who are also interested.
My Verdict as a United Fan: Go for Both
Sign Victor Osimhen as the main guy and Liam Delap as the sub. That way, you get 2 in 2.
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