Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is not happy about who Manchester United is about to sign, ready to resign if it happens.
Manchester United are reportedly keeping close tabs on Udinese forward Lorenzo Lucca as they prepare for a major squad overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window. The club’s attacking struggles have been glaring this season, with just 37 goals scored across 30 Premier League matches, prompting a serious search for a new striker.
Lucca, who has been previously linked with the Red Devils, is once again making headlines, with The Sun claiming he is now a top priority for the club’s recruitment team. Standing at a towering 6 feet 7 inches, the Italian striker has netted 18 goals over the past two seasons with Udinese, including 10 so far in the current campaign. Valued at around £25 million, Lucca’s price tag fits comfortably within United’s financial limitations, but competition is already brewing with Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan also circling.
At 24, Lucca has shown flashes of promise, earning praise from his teammate Maduka Okoye, who called him “very special.” His goal return this season is respectable, and five of those have come from headers—highlighting his dominance in the air. Yet despite his physical gifts, there are concerns about whether his game translates well to the Premier League, especially under the pressing and possession-heavy style expected from incoming boss Rúben Amorim.
Lucca’s passing accuracy sits at 65 percent, with only seven passes completed per game on average. His struggles with ball control and tendency to lose possession in attacking areas mirror the early issues faced by Rasmus Højlund, who is still adapting to the English top flight. Although Lucca adds height and an aerial threat, that alone might not justify the gamble, especially if he fails to adapt to the pace and intensity of English football.
Some believe the renewed links to United might be driven by his representatives in a bid to accelerate negotiations with other interested clubs. If United are working with a constrained summer budget, they may be better off exploring more suitable options. One such candidate is Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who could cost around £40 million. The 22-year-old has been a standout performer following Ipswich’s promotion, impressing with his hold-up play, strength, and ability to press intelligently—traits that align well with Amorim’s tactical vision.
A Manchester City academy product, Delap not only brings Premier League-ready qualities but also fits the profile of a modern striker who could develop into a long-term asset. While Lucca might represent a bargain, the potential mismatch in style makes it a risky move. United may want to prioritize a forward who complements Amorim’s high-energy system, rather than repeat past mistakes with physically imposing but tactically incompatible players.
