Darragh MacAnthony, the chairman of Peterborough United, shares a bold belief regarding Manchester United’s potential dominance in the Premier League should they secure the services of Brentford forward Ivan Toney in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Despite a turbulent start to the current season, during which Toney served a footballing ban due to over 200 betting charges, the 28-year-old has showcased his prowess since returning to action in January, contributing five goals and assists in 11 appearances. As rumors swirl linking Toney with various top-flight clubs, including Manchester United and West Ham United, MacAnthony emphasizes the significance of Toney’s potential acquisition for the Red Devils’ title aspirations in the 2024-25 season.
In an interview with Sky Sports, MacAnthony expressed his admiration for Toney, highlighting the player’s versatile attacking abilities. Having previously spent two successful years at Peterborough before joining Brentford in 2020, Toney’s evolution as a striker has impressed MacAnthony, who believes that despite nearing 28, Toney has yet to reach his peak. MacAnthony envisions Toney as a transformative figure for Manchester United, asserting that his inclusion in the squad would elevate the club’s status as contenders for the Premier League crown.
MacAnthony’s confidence in Toney’s potential transcends mere speculation, as he contends that the forward’s impact would extend beyond Manchester United’s fortunes, positing that Toney possesses the capability to enhance any top-tier team significantly. Emphasizing Toney’s value, MacAnthony suggests that a substantial investment, such as £100 million, would be justified given the prospect of securing Toney during his prime years.
Drawing comparisons with other prolific strikers like Ollie Watkins, MacAnthony advocates for Toney’s superiority and envisions his prolific goal-scoring abilities flourishing in various top-flight environments. Imagining Toney’s hypothetical inclusion in teams such as Aston Villa under Unai Emery, Arsenal, Liverpool, or Manchester United, MacAnthony predicts a surge in goal-scoring prowess, with Toney potentially vying for the Premier League Golden Boot.
MacAnthony’s impassioned endorsement of Toney’s talents serves as a testament to the forward’s potential to redefine the landscape of English football. Through his persuasive argumentation, MacAnthony paints a compelling picture of Toney as a transformative force capable of reshaping the fortunes of any club fortunate enough to secure his services.