Their next Rooney: Man Utd in talks for "phenomenal" Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United’s forward line has been massively underwhelming throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly Premier League standing.

The Red Devils have only registered 42 goals in their 37 league outings to date, an average of just 1.1 per 90, highlighting the need for investment in such a department over the summer.

Ruben Amorim will want to make key changes to his squad during the off-season to try and right the wrongs of the current campaign and be a success at Old Trafford.

With the summer window right around the corner, work has already been done by the hierarchy to back the manager and hand him the tools he requires to change the fortunes at the club.

However, it’s crucial that the manager makes the right additions to the squad, with quality over quantity needed if they are to return to their former glory in the near future.

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

Viktor Gyokeres has been a constant target for United over the last couple of months after Amorim’s arrival, understandably so given their time together at Sporting CP.

The Swede has registered 53 goals in 51 games throughout the current campaign, leading to rumours of a £60m switch to Old Trafford, with Arsenal also in the race for his signature.

However, the club have targeted alternatives over the last couple of weeks, leading to further links with Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, according to journalist Laurie Whitwell.

His report states that the Red Devils are set to hold face-to-face talks with the striker over a move to the club after his impressive debut Premier League campaign, which has seen him net 12 times in 36 outings.

It also claims that Amorim’s side are leading the race for his signature and are willing to trigger the £30m release clause that has become active after the Tractor Boys’ relegation was confirmed.

Why United’s £30m target could be their next Rooney

Wayne Rooney will forever be a club icon at United, given their success he endured at the club over a sustained spell, breaking a whole host of impressive records.

The Englishman joined the Red Devils in a £30m deal from Everton back in 2004, with little to no fans expecting the forward to have the impact he did at Old Trafford.

He registered a staggering 253 goals in his 559 appearances, the most of any player in the club’s history, highlighting the impact he made during his spell in the North West.

Rooney also won 12 major honours during his spell at the club, including five league triumphs, something which now appears to be a distant memory given the recent slump at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, this summer, Amorim could land his own version of Rooney in a deal for Delap, following suit by joining for £30m from a smaller Premier League outfit.

The comparisons could also be made with their respective playstyles, with the Ipswich star having similar ball-striking abilities and a battering ram-like presence in forward areas.

His stats from this campaign are evidence of how much of an impressive addition he would be for the Red Devils, offering a cheaper alternative to a deal for Gyokeres.

Delap, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed 1.4 take-ons per 90, along with 1.6 carries into the final third – offering the side a needed all-round presence in attacking areas.

He’s also won 1.9 aerials per 90, along with a 45% shot-on-target accuracy, handing the side the added aerial and clinical threat they’ve been lacking throughout 2024/25.

His £30m clause could prove to be a potential bargain should Amorim sign him this summer, offering a cheaper but just as impressive option in attacking areas.

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Rooney at Old Trafford, it would be a sensational piece of business and one that could push the side back towards their former glory.

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