He'd send Hojlund packing: Man Utd in talks for dream Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur was the final nail in the coffin for what has been a truly dismal 2024/25 campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s side have ended the campaign without any form of European football next season, currently sitting in a measly 16th place in the Premier League table.

Such a loss could see the club lose up to £200m throughout 2025/26, having a real impact on the financial situation and any potential transfers this summer.

An overhaul is desperately needed, given their failures during the current campaign, with new signings and departures required to hand the manager the tools he needs to change the current situation.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work is already being done behind the scenes at Old Trafford to land players who would certainly add to the squad currently at Amorim’s disposal.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A striker has been on United’s radar over the last couple of months, with Viktor Gyokeres a name constantly touted, given his previous time under Amorim at Spotting CP.

The Swede would undoubtedly be an excellent option for the Red Devils given his record of 53 goals in his 51 appearances, but could be set for a summer switch to fellow English side Arsenal.

As a result, the club will have to target other options in such an area, leading to rumours over a deal for Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He’s claimed that the Red Devils hierarchy have already held face-to-face talks with the 22-year-old, after he scored 12 goals in his 36 league appearances for the Tractor Boys this campaign.

It’s also reported that he will be available for around £30m this summer, after his relegation release clause became active, but they could also face keen interest from Chelsea during the off-season.

Why United’s latest target could end Hojlund’s time at Old Trafford

Rasmus Hojlund arrived at United with huge excitement back in the summer of 2023, costing a staggering £72m from Serie A outfit Atalanta, after scoring 10 goals throughout 2022/23.

The Dane has since struggled to replicate his best form in England, scoring 26 goals in his 94 appearances for the Red Devils, with only four of his strikes coming in the league this season.

He’s endured long droughts throughout 2024/25, including a run that saw him go 21 matches without a goal in all competitions - leading to frustrations amongst the fanbase.

His showing in the Europa League final was another one to forget, featuring for 71 minutes and only registering a total of 15 touches, losing possession every 3.75 touches.

If the club are to make the step under Amorim next campaign, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back him in the summer, handing the funds to make the changes he requires in such a department.

Delap would be an excellent addition for the fee mooted for his signature this summer, massively outperforming Hojlund in numerous key areas when comparing their respective stats.

The Ipswich star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has massively outscored the Dane, whilst registering a higher shot-on-target rate - showcasing the clinical threat he poses.

How Delap compares to Hojlund in the PL (2024/25) Statistics (per 90) Delap Hojlund Games played 36 31 Goals & assists 14 4 Shot-on-target accuracy 45% 38% Shots on target 1.1 0.5 Progressive carries 2.1 1.2 Progressive passes 1.1 0.7 Take-on success 47% 28% Aerials won 42% 23% Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries and more take-ons, handing Amorim the all-round option in the final third he’s often lacked throughout his tenure at Old Trafford.

Delap has already won 19% more of the aerials he’s contested, handing the side a focal point to play off, subsequently allowing the likes of Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes to improve their own tallies.

£30m could prove to be an excellent price for a player who has bags of time to build on his excellent debut season in England’s top flight, given his tender age.

Given the interest from elsewhere, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a player who could easily end Holland’s time at the Theatre of Dreams.

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