Jamie Carragher has issued a stark warning to rising star Liam Delap, urging him to reconsider a potential move to Manchester United. Despite rumors heating up about the 22-year-old striker’s transfer to Old Trafford, the former Liverpool defender believes such a leap could be premature for the young talent.
Delap, one of the Premier League’s most promising forwards, has a £30 million release clause following Ipswich Town’s relegation. This has sparked interest from heavyweight clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea. However, Carragher, known for his no-nonsense analysis, has cast doubt on whether United is the right fit for Delap at this stage of his career.
Speaking candidly on Sky Sports, Carragher compared Delap’s potential move to the struggles faced by Rasmus Hojlund at United. “Manchester United is a monster of a club,” he emphasized. “The pressure and expectations there are immense, and it might be too much, too soon for a player coming from a relegated side.”
While Carragher acknowledges Delap’s talent—even suggesting he could be an upgrade on Hojlund—he believes the striker would benefit from a more gradual progression. “Everton or a similar club would be a better next step,” he advised. “Delap needs to be the main man, the focal point of a team, to continue his development.”
Carragher’s concerns stem from the risk of Delap being overshadowed in a struggling United squad. “At Ipswich, everything revolves around him. He’s the star. Moving to a club where he’s assured of regular game time and a central role is crucial before making the leap to a Champions League-level team.”
Reports indicate that Delap is tempted by the prospect of joining United, having already held talks with club officials and visited Old Trafford with Ipswich’s permission. Meanwhile, United’s summer rebuild is gaining momentum, with a deal for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha reportedly close to completion.
While Delap may see Manchester United as a shortcut to the pinnacle of football, Carragher’s advice is clear: take a stepping-stone move first. For the young striker, patience and progression could be the key to unlocking his full potential.
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