After Manchester United failed to get Champions League football next season, a proposed transfer is now in serious jeopardy as Rúben Amorim explores other options.
The importance of Manchester United’s summer transfer window going into next season cannot be understated, as Ruben Amorim looks to overhaul his squad to suit his 3-4-2-1 system.
Players such as Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana are all confirmed or linked to be leaving United in the summer, meaning Amorim needs depth in every position going into next season.
The appeal of Champions League football to any prospective signings is a major factor in a player’s decision as to where they want to play their football.
With United’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, the door to Champions League football being played at Old Trafford next season has been shut, meaning that a number of targets may look elsewhere.
Chelsea overtake United for Delap signing
One player who has been linked for a number of weeks is Liam Delap. The 22-year-old scored 12 goals for an Ipswich side that scored just 22 points this season, more than Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund’s seven combined goals in the Premier League.
One of the main aspects that hinged on Delap joining United was if the Reds qualified for next season’s Champions League, and it is now looking more likely that sign for Chelsea.
The West London side secured qualification for Europe’s premier competition on the final day of the season, and now, as reported by talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, the player could complete a move to the West London club instead.
“My understanding was that he was leaning towards Manchester United because he wanted to go back and live in the north west,” Crook said on air. “He’s a former Manchester City player.
“But he does want to play in the Champions League. So I wonder if that may have scuppered United now.
“And the noises I’m hearing this morning are more that maybe he’ll end up at Chelsea.”
United set sights on new £50 million target
With Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho set for permanent exits from Old Trafford and Alejandro Garnacho being told to find a new club, Amorim needs reinforcements out on the wing.
With just one year left on his contract, Bryan Mbeumo looks likely to leave Brentford this summer in order to get a fee for the 25-year-old rather than losing him on a free next year. TalkSPORT further clarify that amid United’s uncertainty surrounding Delap, they have stepped up talks for the 25-year-old.
Read More: Manchester United urged to sign “outstanding” 150-goal striker after Viktor Gyökeres transfer falls through
The Cameroonian has been prolific in front of goal, scoring an astonishing 20 goals and also chipping in with seven assists.
United’s main problem this season has been their lack of end product, and Mbeumo could be Amorim’s answer as he looks to assemble a squad capable of qualifying for Europe as well as being a “pressing machine” – a trait Amorim will greatly appreciate.
Brentford value the winger around the £50 million mark, with Newcastle also reportedly being interested in bringing in the winger.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.