Six passes, two big chances missed… Player who snubbed Man Utd has disaster first start for new club

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Manchester United have had a frustrating summer transfer window thus far, at least in pursuit of a new number nine.

After Rasmus Hojlund regressed during the 2024-25 season, signing a new striker was always on the cards at Old Trafford.

There was a divide within the club over the priority target for Manchester United to sign as the new starting striker, with Hojlund expected to be sold this summer.

Ineos had Liam Delap as the top target for United before he chose to move to Chelsea. Ruben Amorim preferred a more proven goalscorer, such as Viktor Gyokeres.

Well, all internal debate has been proven pointless in the end, with both rejecting a move to Old Trafford this summer. Delap chose Champions League football with Chelsea, and then Gyokeres preferring a move to Arsenal over United.

Well, now United will have been watching on as Delap did the opposite of impress on his first start in a Chelsea kit.

• READ: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2025/26

Liam Delap struggles for Chelsea in his first start

Chelsea are currently in action over in the USA for the Club World Cup, and after scraping by LAFC on Monday, Friday was drastically different. Brazilian side Flamengo smashed Chelsea 3-1 in match day two of the tournament

This loss saw Delap start for the very first time in a Chelsea kit, in which he lasted 64 minutes and struggled throughout his time on the pitch.

• 64 minutes
• 2 shots
• 6 passes
• 2 big chances missed
• 15 touches
• 1 dribble
• 0 tackles
• 1 defensive action
• 5/6 duels lost

Delap not only missed chances which would have salvaged a point for Chelsea, but also offered nothing without the ball, with Flamengo exposing his weakness in duels.

Of course, this is only one game, but the signs are that those who suggested Delap would be too raw and similar to the weaknesses Hojlund has were right.

United will be glad to have been snubbed by the English 22-year-old.

• READ: Who is Man Utd target Liam Delap? Age, position, stats and comparisons with Didier Drogba

Manchester United will be glad to have missed out on Liam Delap

It would be ridiculous to write off Delap this summer, as in time, he probably will improve and become a very decent number nine. However, Ineos will see it as a bullet dodged, considering he offers little in alternative to Hojlund.

Instead, United look to be targeting players who have proven goal records, such as Victor Osimhen and even Hugo Ekitike, who is far more exciting a talent than alternative young strikers.

United don’t need a ‘promise’ this summer up front, with Chido Obi likely to be making improvements and earn more and more minutes, so signing Delap would have been counterproductive.

Options like Jean-Philippe Mateta would be perfect to fill the gap for two seasons, before hopefully a 19/20 year old Obi is ready to step up into a more regular role.