Ineos have been forced to rethink their transfer plan for Manchester United after Liam Delap’s snub.
It was obvious that Manchester United would be in the market for a centre-forward this summer following Rasmus Hojlund’s poor form this season.
However, with reports that United only have a £100m summer budget, Ineos were eyeing a bargain deal for Liam Delap.
Delap was available for £30 million following Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League, but it has since been revealed that Delap has chosen to join Chelsea.
Photo by Michael Driver | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Driver | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Why Liam Delap rejected Man United move
Losing the Europa League final means United have missed out on European football entirely which was always going to make the summer window more difficult.
However, Ruben Amorim doesn’t want players that only want Europe, but instead wants signings that are eager to move to Old Trafford regardless – such as Matheus Cunha.
According to Andy Mitten on the Talk of the Devils podcast, there are actually two reasons why Delap rejected United’s offer.
Mitten said: “I was told a couple of weeks ago that he had doubts about Manchester United.”
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Firstly, Mitten pointed out that Delap was concerned about “the way the team is and the league position” which was expected given United’s 15th-place finish in the Premier League.
However, he also reveals that Delap was concerned about “mixed messages coming out around the manager as to whether he will be in charge or not.”
That is not good news for Amorim, who is aware of the immense pressure he is under heading into 2025/26.
What Ruben Amorim must do to keep Man United job
When Erik ten Hag was sacked in October, Ruben Amorim was brought in as a project manager by Ineos to change United’s style of play.
That proved a difficult task during his first season, with United enduring a terrible run of results during the adaptation phase.
Next season, Amorim simply must improve his results otherwise he will face a similar fate to Ten Hag. Ineos are still supporting Amorim, but that will change if the season starts poorly.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim explains ultimate objective for Manchester United, fans will be encouraged
Ineos expect Amorim to finish inside the top six, which would secure a return to European football for the 2026/27 season.
Since the takeover, Ineos have budgeted for European football, which means failure to qualify could result in even more cost-cutting and off-pitch troubles.