Man Utd dealt deciding dagger in efforts for Ineos’ number one target, Ruben Amorim could end up big winner

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Manchester United are desperate for a new striker, but who the signing will be remains a mystery.

Goal scoring is one of the most important qualities in a team, and during the 2024-25 campaign, Manchester United struggled to accomplish this.

After a Premier League low for the club during the season just passed, it was clear that Ineos would have to overhaul the squad.

This means several additions but also sales, with the striker position key.

Rasmus Hojlund looks set to be sold this summer, with the Dane managing 10 goals in 51 games during the campaign. In order to add goals, Matheus Cunha is set to imminently join United, coming off a season where he scored 17 for Wolves.

But a new number nine was always expected.

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

Liam Delap chooses to join Chelsea

Signing a new striker has been of the utmost importance for United, with Amorim even admitting a need to add goals to this struggling attack.

As a result, several forwards have been linked, with Liam Delap arguably the most frequent.

However, now the England U21 international has made his decision over his next club, and he is not United-bound.

According to David Ornstein, Delap’s suitors have been informed of his decision to sign for Chelsea this summer, with United now made aware of this.

The 22-year-old is set to join the UEFA Conference League winners once personal terms and release clause requirements are met.

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

Ruben Amorim could get his wish at Manchester United

Missing out on Delap is a blow, with the striker market this summer not that open for Europe-less Manchester United.

Signing Delap was Ineos’ decision, pushed for by technical director Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, who both know Delap from City.

On the other hand, Amorim and his coaching staff are believed to have thought that signing a ready-made number nine was the best route for United to take this summer.

Amorim would ideally have wanted Viktor Gyokeres, which looks unlikely right now, but there are several strikers in their prime who could emerge as targets.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is one, while United’s transfer negotiator, Matt Hargreaves, is looking to negotiate a deal for Victor Osimhen.

As of now, with Delap gone, Amorim is set to get his wish with other targets more proven around Europe.