United’s Attacking Revamp
Manchester United are poised for a significant summer transfer window, with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as primary targets to bolster their attack. The club, under Ruben Amorim, aims to address a lackluster season where they scored only 38 goals in 33 Premier League matches, leaving them 15th in the table. A combined £92.5m investment is planned to trigger the release clauses of Cunha (£62.5m) and Delap (£30m), signaling intent to rebuild the squad.
Cunha’s Fit in Amorim’s System
Gary Neville has endorsed United’s pursuit of Cunha, noting the 25-year-old’s suitability for Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system as a No. 10. Cunha, who has 14 goals and four assists for Wolves this season, offers creativity and versatility, operating centrally or on the left. Neville highlighted United’s need for a player who can beat defenders and carry the ball through the middle, especially after the departures of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Antony. However, Cunha’s disciplinary issues, including two red cards this season, pose a concern.
Delap’s Rising Profile
Ipswich’s 22-year-old striker Liam Delap, with 12 Premier League goals, is another key target. His £30m release clause activates upon Ipswich’s likely relegation, expected if they lose to Newcastle or West Ham earns a point this weekend. United face competition from Chelsea and Arsenal, but Delap’s youth aligns with their recruitment strategy. Manchester City, who sold Delap, hold a 20% sell-on fee and a buy-back option but are unlikely to exercise it due to their depth with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush.
Funding the Transfers
To finance the £92.5m double swoop, United plan to raise nearly £100m by selling Rashford (£40m to Aston Villa), Sancho (£20m–£25m to Chelsea), and Antony, whose value has risen at Real Betis. Winning the Europa League could add £100m, easing financial constraints under Premier League profitability rules. Amorim’s focus on the Europa League, with a crucial semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, underscores the need for funds to support his vision.
Other Targets and Competition
United’s interest extends beyond Cunha and Delap, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike also linked. However, Cunha faces rival interest from Arsenal, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Saudi clubs, with his representatives welcoming United’s approach. Amorim’s personal engagement with Cunha, spotted after United’s 1-0 loss to Wolves, suggests a deal is advancing, though competition and financial hurdles remain.
