Losing Delap shows how MU's value has dropped

When Ruben Amorim agreed to take the "hot seat" at Old Trafford, many people thought it was a risky step in the career of the young Portuguese strategist.

Ruben Amorim faces many difficulties ahead.

But perhaps even Amorim could not have imagined the extent of the devastation that had befallen the "red empire" that once dominated England. The 2024/25 season was not only Manchester United's worst in half a century - finishing 15th, losing 18 games and ending the season with a negative goal difference - but also marked the complete decline of a club that was once a global icon.

From monument to “average” destination

In the past, Manchester United was every player's dream destination. A call from Sir Alex Ferguson was enough to turn the transfer situation around.

But now, even a young talent like Liam Delap - who has Manchester roots - has chosen Chelsea over Man Utd, citing “their playing style and ambition as being clearer”. For a young player with a release clause of only £30 million, losing him to a rival is further proof that the “Red Devils” have lost their position on the football map.

Statistics from Transfermarkt show that since the summer of 2019, Man Utd have spent more than 780 million euros (about 670 million pounds) on transfers. Of which, three expensive contracts including Jadon Sancho (73 million pounds), Antony (85 million pounds) and Rasmus Højlund (72 million pounds) have all lost serious value. According to the latest update, the market value of this trio is only about 110 million pounds, a decrease of nearly 45% compared to when they signed the contract.

Bruno Fernandes, the team captain, has been a rare bright spot in a dismal season. He has 12 goals and nine assists in the Premier League, has created more chances than any other player in the team (91 key passes) and has been the only one to show fighting spirit in a dismal team.

However, faced with an attractive invitation from Al Hilal and the temptation of a salary that could reach £400,000/week, even a loyal player like Fernandes is wavering.

If they lose Bruno, Man Utd will not only lose their spiritual leader but also the last light that guides them through the dark tunnel. And more importantly, it will send a negative signal to the market: even the best and most loyal people no longer believe in this project.

Can Amorim rebuild the "Red Devils"?

Ruben Amorim is a coach with a clear and modern philosophy. At Sporting Lisbon, he won the Primeira Liga in the 2020/21 season after the club had been without a title for 19 years.

Amorim's organised pressing style, flexible three-man defence and ability to exploit young players have made him a sought-after coach across Europe. But can he replicate that in a team lacking direction, lacking discipline and in a crisis of confidence?

Amorim showed his toughness by dropping Marcus Rashford from the squad for the second half of the season because of his unprofessional attitude. But that also cost him his most experienced striker.

Jadon Sancho has publicly said he wants to leave. Alejandro Garnacho has hinted at leaving the club via social media. And if Bruno leaves, Amorim will have to rebuild almost from scratch - not only in terms of personnel but also in terms of team culture.

Finances, brand and appeal: all are waning

Another factor weighing on United is their finances and brand image. Although they remain one of the most valuable clubs in the world (Forbes ranked them 4th in 2024), their professional decline is dragging down their commercial side. The £6.5bn loss in net worth of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, who owns 29% of the club, in the first 18 months of investment is a wake-up call.

Man Utd are no longer able to compete with Real Madrid, Man City or Bayern Munich in the transfer market. Even Chelsea - the team that finished 8th last season - can easily compete with the "Red Devils" for players, thanks to their youthful project, visionary coach and effective scouting system.

Delap chose Chelsea, instead of Manchester United.

While all of this paints a bleak picture, there are some bright spots. United have signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves - a technically gifted, pressing forward who would fit Amorim's system. They are still keeping tabs on a number of other young talents.

However, such deals cannot be successful without a clear plan and long-term stability. And most importantly, Man Utd need to change their mindset: from chasing flashiness to building a sustainable foundation.

Manchester United are at a historic crossroads. On one side lies a difficult rebuild that will require patience, wise investment and consistent leadership. On the other lies a terrifying prospect: becoming a Premier League version of AC Milan – living in the glory of the past with no future.

Ruben Amorim may be the right man to start over. But the conditions for his success are far from guaranteed. And without real support from the top, even a talented strategist will be caught in the same cycle of failure as so many of his predecessors.

A do-or-die summer awaits Man Utd. And the question is no longer “Can they sign a star?” but “Will anyone else want to come?”.

Source: https://znews.vn/mat-delap-cho-thay-mu-xuong-gia-the-nao-post1557811.html