At the time, it was seen as the latest example of how far Manchester United have fallen, no longer the dream destination for any young English footballer.
Liam Delap had the option of becoming United’s new No 9. He ticked all the boxes – affordable, young, English, hungry, no ego, primed and ready to drag this sleeping giant from its perennial slumber.
There was a knowing confidence around Old Trafford ahead of the expected deal – the underlying assumption that no English youngster could ever turn down the might of Manchester United. United also had another trump card – director of football Jason Wilcox brought Delap from Derby County to Manchester City’s illustrious academy.
And yet, there was guffawing all down the King’s Road as Delap chose Chelsea instead. The prospect of Champions League football is understood to be the main reason behind the decision. It was still a hammer blow to United’s delusion of grandeur.
Instead, perhaps United have in fact dodged a bullet. While seven appearances, of which only four were starts, is no time to run the rule over any new signing, the early signs are not promising.
Delap, 22, endured a difficult afternoon in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Burnley (Photo: Getty)
His performance at Burnley on Saturday in the 2-0 win courtesy of Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez should be of serious concern to Chelsea supporters.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues are a possession-based unit. Fundamental to that philosophy is having the central striker bring others into play as much as himself. Supplying willing runners is as imperative as scoring goals. Delap doesn’t appear equipped for such a role.
Two incidents typified the problem at Turf Moor. Where Delap did impress was his ability to hold off physical defenders, turn sharply and head for goal.
In the first half, one sashay to the right and he was away from his marker, with runners on either side. Part one of the job description fulfilled. The decision to shoot from 30 yards instead of picking either option won’t have impressed his superiors.
The 22-year-old’s aversion to squaring for an unmarked Fernandez in the second half was even worse. He remains on zero chances created, zero goals from fewer than one shot per game on average.
Benjamin Sesko has drawn criticism for not hitting the ground running as Delap’s more expensive alternative, but at least he has offered something, creating seven chances thus far and having found the net twice.
Nicolas Jackson was widely mocked during his time at Stamford Bridge. Keyboard warriors relished creating memes after each glaring miss.
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Jackson finished his first-ever season, however, in a team not as talented as the current setup, on 17 goals. The chances of Delap getting within touching distance of such a haul look rather forlorn.
It continues the trend of English strikers flattering to deceive. Other than Harry Kane, there is a paucity of in-form strikers.
Delap was expected to be a shoo-in for England but, mainly down to injury absences, he is yet to be included in a Thomas Tuchel squad. We are going to have to see a lot more from him for that situation to change.
