Manchester United’s search for goals this summer looks likely to lead to Liam Delap’s arrival, but is he an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund?
On Sunday, Rasmus Hojlund finally scored for Manchester United after another long drought, which makes it two in eight and nine this season after 45 games.
Following the goal, which earned United a point against Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim pointed out that a weight had been lifted from Hojlund, although it papered over another disappointing display in which he had the fewest touches of any player.
The 22-year-old has found himself at the centre of criticism and is correctly blamed for much of United’s issues this season. Bruno Fernandes pointed out that United needs more from Hojlund, and it was just his fourth league conversion of the season.
Following the goal, Hojlund admitted he needed the goal for United, and it should be a huge confidence boost for him heading into the remainder of this season.
But despite this, the search for his replacement will continue.
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesLiam Delap would be an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund for Manchester United
With Hojlund likely to be replaced, several strikers have been linked – although it is Liam Delap who has emerged to be the front runner.
Despite being a former City youngster, Delap has admitted that he was inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and moving to United, therefore, might appeal for that reason.
This season has been Delap’s first in the Premier League, and despite Ipswich Town getting relegated, the 22-year-old has been a standout in the league and scored three times as many goals despite playing in a much worse team.
In order to compare the two, the infographic below from SofaScore showcases that Delap would be an improvement on Hojlund.
Infographic created by SofaScore.
Delap brings more goals than Hojlund. He also earns himself more shots and expected goals than the Dane, which suggests his movement and anticipation are better.
He also has a better big chance conversion rate, which showcases that his finishing is also an improvement
Hojlund is not only bested in terms of goals, but Delap also wins more duels than United’s current No.9, which is a frequent criticism and affects United in the build-up.
Liam Delap to Manchester United latest
While initially names like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres emerged as striker targets for United this summer, Delap has skipped over both and now looks likely to take priority.
One major benefit is that Delap will cost only £30m after Ipswich’s relegation was confirmed, a release clause which could be a real bargain.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Delap is very high on United’s list of options this summer, with his scoring in the Premier League widely expected to be just the beginning.
With Matheus Cunha likely to arrive for his £62m release fee, United are also looking to trigger a deal for Delap as soon as possible this summer to beat interest from Newcastle and Chelsea.
Scoring 12 goals in a team that struggled shows his natural ability to score, so if placed in a hopefully improved United side who will have players like Cunha and Fernandes creating chances, Delap could explode.