Paul Parker: Why Manchester United Should Bet on Liam Delap Over Osimhen and Cunha

Whilst Manchester United still have the Europa League—and with it, a shot at Champions League qualification—to play for this season, all eyes are beginning to turn toward the summer rebuild. With the likely arrival of Ruben Amorim, thoughts are shifting to what the squad might look like next season under the Portuguese manager.

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with old friend and Manchester United legend Paul Parker, never one to shy away from strong opinions—to dive into who the club should, and shouldn’t, be recruiting for their potentially vacant number nine role this summer. 

Delap Choosing United Over Rivals Would Show His Character

Heading into a pivotal summer transfer window, Amorim and United’s recruitment team will be hellbent on reshaping a fractured squad, one still carrying the fingerprints of Erik ten Hag. That includes the current two No. 9s, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, both of whom have struggled to find consistency and make the most of their opportunities.

Enter Liam Delap. The 21-year-old striker, son of former Premier League long-throw specialist Rory Delap, has impressed during his loan spell at Ipswich Town—scoring 12 goals in 32 league appearances while leading the line with maturity and drive.

Paul Parker is a fan of what Delap brings to the table and sees the young striker as an ideal fit for United’s rebuild:

“I think Man United would want younger players who want to prove a point, and I think Liam Delap is one of those. With a player like him, it doesn’t matter who he’s playing for—he always plays with the same intensity.”

“He demands the ball, he makes it obvious that he wants the ball, and that attitude alone would be an improvement on what United currently have.”

The big question, of course, is whether Delap would even consider joining United given their turbulent season and potential bottom-half finish. With interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Spurs, and several European clubs, Delap’s options are wide open.

Parker believes choosing United would say a lot about the striker’s mindset:

“He’s 22 years old and has now had a proper season in a top division. So yes, he could be someone for United. But would he want to come? Does he want that kind of challenge? Or would he prefer somewhere safer?”

“I think it would show real character if he moved to Man United. Your career is short. If he gets the opportunity—he should absolutely take it.”

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Matheus Cunha: Flair, But Questions Remain

Another name heavily linked with United is Wolves’ forward Matheus Cunha, whose £62 million release clause has sparked serious interest. The Brazilian has had a strong season—15 goals in 29 games—despite Wolves’ struggles, showcasing flair, technical ability, and tireless energy.

However, disciplinary issues and reported tension with Wolves manager Vítor Pereira have raised concerns about his readiness for a step up.

“I do like Cunha as a player,” Parker says, “but I’m wondering about his mindset. He recently said he wants to win titles, yet he just signed a new contract with Wolves. So what is he really saying? Does he want to win titles with Wolves? Or is he telling other clubs to come get him?”

That said, United have been missing flair and creativity in attack—especially since the departures or declines of players like Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, and more recently, Marcus Rashford. Cunha could help fill that void.

“There’s a lot of talk around him,” Parker adds. “He definitely has talent and loads of energy, which United are desperately lacking.”

“He runs with and without the ball, and that in itself would be a big plus. Is he the right guy? I’m not sure. But he’s a very good player.”

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Osimhen Doesn’t Fit United’s Current Style

One of the most high-profile names linked with United is Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, currently on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray. Despite his prolific scoring form during Napoli’s title-winning season, Parker is unconvinced he’s the right profile for United.

“I’m not sure if Osimhen is the right person to bring in,” Parker explains. “He couldn’t stop scoring when Napoli won the league, but United would have to completely change the way they play to suit him.”

“United don’t really play to his strengths. Unless he’s willing to change, I don’t see it working. The only player who really wants to cross the ball at United is [left-back] Dorgu. That’s not enough.”

For Parker, Osimhen might be the biggest name—but not the best fit.

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Parker Picks Delap as the Best Fit

When asked to choose between the three forwards, Parker doesn’t hesitate:

“Personally, I would definitely go with Delap out of those three strikers.”

With United entering yet another crucial summer, the debate around who should lead the line will continue to rage. But for Paul Parker, the ideal candidate is clear: a young, hungry striker with something to prove—exactly what Liam Delap represents.

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