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Delap can show Manchester United what they’re missing.

A proper centre forward will be at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. He won’t be playing in red, though. Indeed, Liam Delap will be leading the line for Ipswich Town having already reached double figures for goals in the Premier League this season. He’s the sort of attacking focal point Manchester United need.

This season has been a difficult one for United in almost every way. Defensively, they are weak. In midfield, they lack the physicality and technical ability to control games. In attack, though, is where the Old Trafford outfit have struggled the most. They have been one of the worst attacking teams in the division.

Only Everton and the bottom three have scored fewer goals than Manchester United this season. They rank a lowly 13th for Expected Goals (xG) and Big Chances created. These struggles have been made to look worse as Antony and Marcus Rashford have found form immediately after leaving the club on loan.

Delap, on the other hand, has surprised many with how comfortable he has looked at Premier League level. While the young striker showcased his potential in the Championship, he only scored eight goals for Hull City last season. Delap has already exceeded that number for Ipswich in the top flight.

It’s not just the numbers Delap is putting up, it’s the way he’s leading the line for The Tractor Boys. While Ipswich are probably going to be relegated back to the Championship, their 22-year-old has shown he is more than good enough for the Premier League. He has caused so many problems for opposition sides.

Physically, Delap plays like an Erling Haaland-lite. He is capable of holding off even the strongest of opponents, but also wants to get turned and running towards goal with the ball at his feet. Delap is strong in the air and is an excellent finisher. He is possibly the best young centre forward in the Premier League.

“I’ve been saying it to people around the club, he’s improving,” said Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna about his number nine. “He’s a different beast now to what he was in July and when you see that rate of improvement from a 21-year-old, showing the increased maturity that he is, the desire he’s showing to improve, that’s a really positive sign at 21.”

Despite only arriving at Portman Road last summer, Delap might not be at Ipswich Town for much longer. The 22-year-old has been linked with Chelsea who are believed to be admirers of Delap. Manchester United have also been mentioned as potential suitors such is their trouble in finding a reliable number nine.

Rasmus Hojlund has had the opportunity to prove his worth under Ruben Amorim. The Dane joined Manchester United from Atalanta for £72m two years ago, but has regressed in that time. He has found the back of the net just twice in 21 league appearances this season and is lacking as a focal point. Hojlund can’t hold up the ball, nor can be burst in behind.

The season-ending injury to Amad Diallo hasn’t helped Manchester United’s attacking productivity. The 22-year-old had been United’s best forward player, but will now play no further part in the Premier League campaign. Nonetheless, Hojlund needs to offer more in attack even if he is lacking top-level teammates around him.

Delap doesn’t have top-level teammates at Ipswich Town, yet he has still delivered consistently. Maybe the 22-year-old will one day end up at Old Trafford as Manchester United’s new number nine, but for the time being Delap has the opportunity this week to show Amorim exactly what he’s missing.