Manchester United have already missed out on several transfer targets this summer, and one has hit the ground running.
Ineos want to move quickly this summer to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad before pre-season training begins on July 7th.
The plan started well with Matheus Cunha joining from Wolves in a £62.5m deal on the very first day of the summer transfer window.
However, with a limited budget and player sales proving difficult, United’s transfer machine has been slowing and it has meant that multiple targets have been missed.
Ineos missed out on Jobe Bellingham, and Liam Delap snubbed United for Chelsea. To make matters worse, the 22-year-old has hit the ground running with the Blues.
Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Liam Delap is the ‘real deal’ at Chelsea after Man United snub
Delap was a top target for Ineos heading into the summer, with his £30m relegation clause making him an ideal bargain signing for the Red Devils.
However, Enzo Maresca convinced Delap to snub United, and now he is starring for Chelsea in the Fifa Club World Cup.
Early on Wednesday, Chelsea beat Tunis 3-0 in Philadelphia and Liam Delap scored his first goal for Chelsea since completing his move.
More United News
The Telegraph raved about Delap’s performance after the full-time whistle, branding him the “real deal” and praising him for ending the No.9 “curse” at Chelsea.
“Delap delivered a classic, positive, bustling, aggressive centre-forward’s performance in the 59 minutes he was out there,” the report added.
On top of that, The Times gave Delap an 8/10 rating for his performance, ranking him as the best player on the pitch against Tunis.
Man United must ignore Liam Delap hype
United fans will know better than most that new signings can easily be overhyped if they start brightly at a new club – it has happened far too often at Old Trafford.
While Delap is soaking in praise after his first goal, it has quickly been forgotten that Delap had a nightmare Chelsea debut just a few days earlier when he missed two big chances.
Even before he snubbed a move to United, there were concerns about Delap’s style of play and whether or not it suited the Red Devils.
With Delap now out of the picture, United have submitted a second bid for Bryan Mbeumo and are pressing ahead to try and sign the Brentford star.
READ MORE: Ineos can strike Liam Delap revenge if Man Utd beat Chelsea to sign 22-goal superstar
Not only did Mbeumo outscore Delap last season, but he also has much more experience in the Premier League and will arrive at Old Trafford as a proven star.
Once the Mbeumo deal is finalised, United could still add another striker to their squad.