Enzo Maresca reveals what he told Liam Delap to prompt him to reject Man Utd transfer, among others

Manchester United have swung for the fences this season despite having no European football and largely succeeded, but Liam Delap is the sole blot on their record so far.

Matheus Cunha has been signed for his release clause despite interest from other clubs, while Bryan Mbeumo has also made his Man Utd preference clear.

The third prime target was Liam Delap, who rejected United for Chelsea, opting to reunite with his former coach at Manchester City, Enzo Maresca.

The now-Chelsea manager has revealed what he told Delap that prompted the striker to reject advances from so many clubs in favour of the Blues.

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Enzo Maresca on Liam Delap talks

What United had to offer to Delap was something that no other club could, which was consistent first-team football.

In fact, Chelsea are looking at strikers despite signing Delap and having Nicolas Jackson, so his decision to go to Stamford Bridge was a little questionable.

Speaking to the press ahead of their Club World Cup fixture, manager Enzo Maresca revealed what he told Delap amid doubts over his playing time.

He said: “I never tell a player that he’s going to be the first-choice. You arrive, you work hard, you work more than the other number nine, and you’re gonna be the first choice.

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“Conversation with [Delap] was quite clear. He was keen to join us because he knows the way we play. The season we were together [for Manchester City U23s], he scored 24-25 goals.

“So he knows exactly what we can give him and I know what he can give us. It’s a win-win. The conversation was quite easy. We like [Delap], he likes us.”

Maresca’s words mean Man Utd never stood a chance

Despite no promises of first-team football, it is clear that Delap valued the successful history he had with Maresca at Man City too much for any other club to have a chance.

He knows Maresca can get the best out of him because it has happened before, something which no other club could offer.

However, things change in football and the coach of Chelsea might change too, while their transfer policy is as chaotic as it gets.

Still, the allure of working with Maresca again, combined with Champions League football was clearly deemed the better option by Delap.

In contrast, United are going through a rebuild and have become somewhat of a striker’s graveyard in recent seasons.

From that POV, Delap’s choice makes sense. The test for United now is whether they pivot well.

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