Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has cautioned Manchester United against signing Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, insisting the young talent isn’t yet equipped to handle the demands at Old Trafford.
Delap, who managed 12 goals and two assists in his debut Premier League season, has drawn attention from several top-flight clubs following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship. The 21-year-old reportedly has a £30 million release clause in his contract.
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While Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham, Aston Villa, and Everton are all said to be monitoring the striker, Bent believes a move to a club like West Ham would be a more suitable next step in his development.
“You’re talking about 16 Premier League goals between them—four for Rasmus Højlund and 12 for Liam,” Bent said. “I’m a big fan of Delap. I’ve watched him closely and he’s improved massively.”
However, Bent questioned whether Delap is ready for the pressure that comes with leading the line for a club of United’s stature.
“To go from Ipswich, who were in the Championship last season, to Manchester United and be expected to deliver goals immediately—it’s a huge leap,” he added. “He might have the confidence to believe he can do it, but there will be inevitable dips in form.”
Bent concluded that a move to West Ham would give Delap the platform to prove himself without the same intense spotlight that comes with playing for a club like United.
