Man Utd shoud go 'all out' for striker who 'shows disrespect for everyone' says Wright

Ian Wright has encouraged Manchester United to make a summer move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea.

The 22-year-old forward has impressed in his first Premier League season, scoring nine goals in 23 appearances since joining Ipswich from Manchester City last summer.

His performances, combined with his physicality and hunger, have put him on the radar of several top clubs, with Chelsea closely monitoring his situation.

City could also play a role in Delap’s next move, as Pep Guardiola’s side reportedly included a buy-back clause in the deal that saw him move to Portman Road.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s ongoing striker struggles have left Ruben Amorim desperate for a reliable goalscorer. The club even experimented with Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine in a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in early February.

Both Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to live up to expectations, scoring just five combined league goals this season. Despite their struggles, United opted against signing a forward in January, making a summer addition to their attacking lineup a priority.

Speaking on his Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright urged United to make a move for Delap, believing his playing style would bring much-needed energy to their attack.

"Go and get Delap," Wright stated."The thing is, he’s got that hunger and disrespect for everybody, and it just feels like the kind of player they need."

"They need a hero like that, and he’s a hero waiting to happen. He’s hungry."

While Wright believes Delap could be the answer, he also stressed that United’s overall approach in possession must improve for any striker to thrive under Amorim.

"Obviously, Zirkzee came on (against Leicester in the FA Cup) and he got one, but I don’t think they put the ball in the box enough," Wright said."There’s no one in the box when the cross comes in. They don’t link play or keep the ball well enough in the final third to sustain pressure."

"They lose possession, and then teams break on them. There’s no structure in how they try to play—whether they’re going through teams or around them."

"So the forwards don’t know what’s coming. They don’t get the service they need. When’s the last time you saw a United player score by getting across a defender at the near post? You just don’t see those goals from United anymore."

Despite growing interest, Delap remains focused on his current club and has dismissed speculation about a move.

Speaking to Suffolk News in December, he said:"I don’t really look at things like that. I’m just focused on Ipswich."

"We are lucky to be playing in the Premier League. I think we’ve got a great opportunity here at Ipswich, and we’re just trying to show our ability week in, week out—that’s a big plus for me."

With United expected to target a new striker in the summer, Delap could emerge as a realistic and exciting option as the club looks to rebuild under Amorim.