In the midst of a challenging season for Manchester United, darts sensation and lifelong Red Devils supporter Luke Littler has made headlines by publicly urging manager Ruben Amorim to secure a £30 million transfer deal for a promising Premier League striker in the summer of 2025. At just 18, Littler, a world champion in darts, has become an unexpected voice in the football world, blending his passion for the sport with his growing celebrity status. His bold suggestion comes as United face a critical transfer window, with Amorim tasked with revitalizing a squad that has struggled to find form in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Manchester United’s season has been nothing short of turbulent. Currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the club is on course for one of its worst-ever finishes. Despite flashes of brilliance in the Europa League, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final first leg, the Red Devils’ domestic struggles have exposed glaring deficiencies, particularly in their attack. With only a handful of teams scoring fewer goals than United this season, the need for a clinical forward has become a priority for Amorim, who is navigating his first full season at Old Trafford after taking over from Erik ten Hag.
Littler, speaking with the confidence of a fan who knows the club’s history and hunger for success, weighed in on the striker debate. “Do you go for one of the bigger Sectors, like Victor Osimhen, or someone like Liam Delap, who has outscored our strikers this season?” Littler mused. His choice, however, is clear: Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, a 20-year-old forward who has caught the eye with his performances despite his team’s relegation battle. “I don’t think Delap will want to be going back down to the Championship with Ipswich after this season,” Littler added, highlighting the young striker’s potential to thrive at a higher level. “I’d love to see him sign. I’d not like to see Hojlund and Zirkzee dropped, but if they’re not performing, then Amorim might go with Delap.”
Delap’s appeal is undeniable. His £30 million release clause, triggered by Ipswich’s likely relegation, makes him an attractive target for a club like United, who are backed by INEOS and poised for a significant squad overhaul. The former Manchester City academy product has outscored United’s current forwards, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, this season, showcasing the pace, physicality, and finishing ability that could complement Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Littler’s endorsement reflects a growing sentiment among fans who see Delap as a cost-effective solution to United’s goal-scoring woes, especially compared to pricier targets like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Amorim, however, faces a delicate balancing act. While Littler’s comments resonate with supporters desperate for change, the Portuguese manager must weigh the development of young talents like Hojlund against the immediate impact a signing like Delap could provide. The 40-year-old coach has already shown a willingness to make tough decisions, such as loaning out Marcus Rashford and Antony, prioritizing long-term growth over short-term fixes. Yet, with United’s attacking output among the league’s worst, the pressure to deliver results is immense.
Beyond Delap, United’s transfer plans are ambitious. Reports suggest the club is targeting other Premier League stars, including Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, in a potential £125 million double swoop. Additionally, United have secured the signing of Le Havre’s promising young striker Enzo Kana-Biyik, who is set to be loaned out to gain experience. These moves signal INEOS’s commitment to backing Amorim, with a potential £50 million budget boost if United can secure Champions League qualification via the Europa League.
Littler’s involvement adds a unique twist to the narrative. Fresh off scoring a penalty for a Sunday league team, the darts prodigy has captured the imagination of United fans, blending his sporting prowess with his vocal support for the club. His call for Delap’s signing is more than just a fan’s wish—it’s a reflection of the urgency surrounding United’s rebuild. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Amorim to see if he heeds the advice of one of the club’s most famous supporters and brings Delap to Old Trafford, potentially igniting a new era for the Red Devils.
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