If Manchester United sign that guy, I’ll resign as football coach because I’m scared all records will be broken if he join them”: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is not happy about who Manchester United is about to sign, ready to resign if it happens

Manchester United have added Udinese star Lorenzo Lucca to their striker shortlist for the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have been poor in front of goal this campaign. They have netted just 37 times from 30 Premier League games.

The club will likely enter the transfer market for a new striker. Lucca was linked last month, and The Sun have highlighted the same.

They claim that the Italian ace is ‘literally rising to the top of the Manchester United shortlist’ as the new regime seeks a substantial rebuild.

The 6 foot 7 inch striker has managed 18 goals during his last two years at Udinese. 10 of those have come during the ongoing campaign.

The Serie A outfit are prepared to part ways with him for £25 million. He would fit into United’s financial model, but they face competition from Juventus and AC Milan.

The 24-year-old, described as ‘very special‘ by Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, has had a decent campaign with 10 goals and two assists from 32 appearances.
The Italy international has a shot-to-goal conversation rate of 19 percent in Serie A, but we don’t believe he would suit the playing style of manager Ruben Amorim.

Lucca has registered just seven passes per Serie A game with an accuracy of 65 percent. He has a knack for losing possession in the final third, with ball control being his weakness.
United have faced the exact concern with Rasmus Hojlund after his move from Atalanta. Lucca obviously provides a big aerial presence and has scored five headed goals this term.

However, the Premier League is more demanding and intense than Serie A. He could struggle to impose himself. Despite the low price tag, United should look at an alternative.

We feel the speculation has been agent-driven to speed up talks with Juventus or AC Milan.

If United have a limited summer budget, it makes sense to pursue a deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who could be signed for around £40m during the next transfer window.
The 22-year-old has been a shining light for the Tractor Boys since their promotion. He has caught the eye with his strong hold-up play and has been a menace for opposition defenders.

The Manchester City graduate has the traits to become an elite marksman in the long run.
This latest link to **Lorenzo Lucca** feels like a classic case of *agent-driven noise*—especially considering the tactical demands that **Rúben Amorim** is expected to implement at Manchester United.

**Here’s the key breakdown:**

### **Lucca – The Profile**
– **Height**: 6’7” – naturally adds aerial threat.
– **Serie A 2023/24**: 10 goals, 2 assists in 32 apps.
– **Strengths**: Headers, physical presence, positioning.
– **Weaknesses**: Ball control, limited link-up play, low pass accuracy (~65%), struggles in high-press systems.

Despite his aerial prowess, Lucca’s profile doesn’t align well with **Amorim’s high-tempo, pressing system**—which thrives on fluid link-up play, movement, and technical excellence from the striker. Given United already have a raw target man in **Højlund**, adding Lucca might just replicate a problem rather than solve one.

### **Liam Delap – A Smarter Alternative?**
– **Age**: 22
– **Estimated fee**: ~£40m
– **Traits**: Premier League-ready physique, strong hold-up play, intelligent pressing, proven work rate.
– **Development**: On an upward trajectory and homegrown—valuable under UEFA/PL squad rules.

Delap could be more adaptable to Amorim’s system and represents an investment in a more complete and versatile modern striker, albeit at a higher cost.

### **Verdict**
Lucca at £25m is cheap but potentially a mismatch stylistically—United **shouldn’t settle for “cheap and tall.”** If the budget is tight, **Delap or a more technically skilled striker** who can thrive in build-up play and transitions would make far more sense for Amorim’s rebuild.

Would you prefer United to gamble on a budget option like Lucca, or go all-in for someone with more potential to complement Amorim’s style—like Zirkzee or Delap?