United must change their approach to solve major goals issue

It is easy to understand why Manchester United were attracted to Liam Delap ahead of the start of this summer's transfer window.

- By GEORGE SMITH

The England Under-21 international was available via a £30million release clause this summer after his first season at Ipswich Town ended in relegation to the Championship.

After joining the Tractor Boys from Manchester City last summer, a £30m release clause was inserted into his contract that would become active if the Suffolk club were to fail to preserve its Premier League status.

Winning just four league games all season, Kieran McKenna's men had next to no chance of beating the drop.

Delap, however, produced some eye-catching moments by plundering 12 Premier League goals in his first season as a regular starter at this level.

As a result, clubs were attracted to him and held discussions about signing him. Despite the best efforts of United, Everton and Newcastle United, Delap chose Chelsea, saying their project was what convinced him to move to Stamford Bridge.

It means United are now having to explore alternative avenues in their search for a No.9.

United struggled for goals last season and desperately need to add a focal point to the tip of their attack that can find the back of the net on a regular basis.