Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed little surprise at Liam Delap’s standout performance after the Ipswich Town striker played a pivotal role in his team’s 2-0 victory over the Blues on Monday night.

Delap opened the scoring at Portman Road with a composed penalty, before Omari Hutchinson sealed the win with a goal early in the second half, marking a historic triumph for Ipswich against Chelsea.

Maresca, who previously worked with Delap during his coaching stint at Manchester City, acknowledged the young striker’s talent when asked about his display. “This is Liam,” Maresca said. “I’ve known him for a while now. Perhaps we could have defended better in certain moments, but credit to him and to Ipswich for their performance.”

Delap, now 21, has been enjoying a breakout season in the Premier League, with Monday’s goal taking his tally to seven for the campaign. Chelsea have reportedly shown interest in signing the forward, and Maresca was full of praise for his former protégé both before and after the game.

“Liam is an exceptional player, especially for his age,” Maresca said. “When I worked with him, he scored over 20 goals in a season. He’s a great striker who understands the game, works hard both on and off the ball, and knows how to find the back of the net. I genuinely believe he has the potential to become an important player for England in the future.”

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna also commended Delap’s performance, emphasizing the striker’s rapid development. “Liam keeps improving at an incredible rate,” McKenna said. “He’s a joy to watch, and his unique style sets him apart. Facing top-tier Premier League defenders every week, he continues to rise to the challenge.”

McKenna added, “Tonight, Liam was outstanding, but he wasn’t alone. It was a fantastic team effort, and his contributions were vital.”

Reflecting on the match, Maresca lamented Chelsea’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities. “It was a strange game,” he admitted. “In the first half and the opening minutes of the second, we created multiple chances—Joao [Felix] had a header, and there was another clear opportunity—but we just couldn’t convert.”

He continued, “The second goal from Ipswich was a turning point. Sometimes, when you create so many chances but hit the post, have shots blocked, or see saves from the keeper, it feels like it just isn’t your night. Credit to Ipswich, though—their defensive effort and determination were exceptional.”

The defeat marked Ipswich’s first victory over Chelsea since 1993 and delivered another setback for Maresca’s side in what has been an unpredictable season.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher didn’t mince words during his analysis of Manchester United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday night.

The loss, which marked another setback for Ruben Amorim’s struggling side, saw Newcastle take control early on, with goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton inside the first 20 minutes. Despite United’s underwhelming overall performance, Carragher singled out one player for particular criticism during his appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football with host Dave Jones.

Speaking about Newcastle’s second goal, Carragher zeroed in on United defender Lisandro Martinez. “When Martinez joined the Premier League, I initially thought his height would be a major issue for a centre-back in a back four,” said Carragher. “He proved me wrong to some extent by adapting well and performing solidly under Erik ten Hag. But now, under Ruben Amorim, he looks like a shadow of that player.”

Carragher highlighted how Martinez struggled against Joelinton, who out-jumped him to score Newcastle’s second goal. “Martinez has to be more aggressive in those situations. Joelinton had no trouble getting past him to head it in,” Carragher added, emphasizing his belief that the Argentine international hasn’t adapted to Amorim’s tactics.

Interestingly, Carragher also touched on his prior opinion that Martinez might thrive better in a back-three system. “I thought he’d excel with the protection of two bigger defenders alongside him, but under Amorim, even that setup isn’t working for him,” he noted.

The match also saw a surprising substitution from Amorim in the 33rd minute when he replaced forward Joshua Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo, drawing confusion from the Old Trafford crowd. Zirkzee’s decision to walk directly to the tunnel before returning to the bench added to the evening’s tension.

Manchester United’s defeat keeps them languishing in 14th place after 19 matches, with just a seven-point cushion above the relegation zone. Newcastle, meanwhile, continues to showcase their strength under Eddie Howe, climbing the league table with their latest victory.

Manchester United are edging dangerously close to a crisis point, with their latest defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day leaving them just eight points above the Premier League relegation zone. Under the leadership of Ruben Amorim, the team appears to be unraveling, heading toward what could be an unthinkable relegation battle.

Signs of Trouble at United
Their current position in the table might suggest a comfortable cushion, but the performances on the pitch tell a different story. At Molineux, United looked disjointed, lacking the energy, cohesion, and determination of a team fighting for results. While Wolves showcased grit and a clear game plan, United were a shadow of their former selves.

This isn’t the Manchester United fans have come to expect. Instead, it’s a squad bereft of ideas, fight, and leadership—hallmarks of teams in danger of tumbling down the league.

A Flicker of Hope Amidst a Bleak Campaign
Amorim’s tenure has produced one bright moment—a chaotic win against Manchester City at the Etihad, where an error by Matheus Nunes gifted United an improbable victory. Yet, that result feels more like an anomaly in an otherwise dismal season. In that game, United managed just one shot on target before City’s meltdown.

The truth is, this squad lacks quality and depth. The Boxing Day performance further cemented the belief that this might be the weakest group of players to don the famous red shirt in recent memory.

Lack of Options and an Uncertain Future
Marcus Rashford, one of the few players capable of making a difference, has been sidelined for unclear reasons, leaving United without a reliable goal threat. Meanwhile, their struggles in front of goal have become glaringly obvious—failing to score in matches against Bournemouth, Wolves, and even struggling to capitalize on a shaky Spurs defense.

This isn’t a short-term blip; it’s a worrying trend. Sitting 14th in the table, with tough fixtures against Newcastle, Liverpool, and Arsenal on the horizon, United’s season could effectively be over by mid-January if results don’t improve.

A Club in Disarray
United’s decline has been exacerbated by poor decision-making at the top. Former manager Erik ten Hag was handed significant funds to build the squad, yet many of the signings have failed to live up to expectations. The lack of a dressing-room leader is glaring, with only Harry Maguire showing glimpses of leadership amidst the chaos.

The recent departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth has left a void in recruitment strategy, and the club is paying the price. Amorim needs players with resilience and character to reverse the current trajectory, but those players simply aren’t in the squad.

The Need for Urgent Action
Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe must recognize the severity of the situation. While a complete overhaul isn’t feasible in January, targeted reinforcements are essential. Without immediate action, United risk spiraling further into trouble.

The writing is on the wall for Manchester United. Their current form, lack of direction, and absence of leadership are hallmarks of a club heading toward disaster. Unless drastic changes are made, this iconic club could find itself in the unthinkable position of battling relegation.