Ruben Amorim Manchester United
Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES
INEOS’ early summer plans for Manchester United have already been disrupted after Liam Delap rejected a move to Old Trafford.
Following a disappointing season for Rasmus Hojlund, it was no secret that United were prioritising a new centre-forward in the window.
However, with a summer budget reportedly limited to £100 million, INEOS were exploring value deals – and Delap emerged as a leading option.
The 22-year-old striker was made available for £30 million after Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
A move seemed realistic – but Delap has instead opted to join Chelsea.
His decision is a blow to United, who are already under pressure after failing to secure European football for next season.
Their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham not only cost them a trophy, but over £100 million in revenue and a spot in Europe.
That failure has made United a harder sell to potential signings.
While Ruben Amorim wants players who are motivated by the project rather than just European football – such as Matheus Cunha – the reality is proving more complicated.
According to Andy Mitten on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Delap turned United down for two specific reasons.
Why Liam Delap rejected Manchester United revealed
“I was told a couple of weeks ago that he [Delap] had doubts about Manchester United,” Mitten revealed.
The first concern was about “the way the team is and the league position,” with United finishing a woeful 15th in the Premier League – their lowest in decades.
The second reason, perhaps more damaging, involved “mixed messages coming out around the manager as to whether he will be in charge or not.”
This lack of clarity has added further strain on Amorim, who was brought in last October as a long-term project manager by INEOS to overhaul the club’s style of play.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
That vision clashed with brutal early realities.
United’s adaptation to Amorim’s philosophy saw poor performances and inconsistent results in his debut campaign.
Now, the pressure is firmly on.
Amorim must deliver in 2025/26, with INEOS setting a clear target: a top six finish and a return to European competition.
Failure to hit that benchmark could result in more drastic consequences – including cost-cutting and a managerial change.
Delap’s rejection is more than just a missed transfer; it’s a warning about how far United’s appeal has fallen and how fragile the current rebuild really is.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!