Manchester United are being urged to reassess their interest in Brentford’s star striker, Ivan Toney, despite previous links with several of the Premier League’s elite clubs. Over the summer, the England international was expected to be a sought-after target, with many anticipating a bidding war among top-tier teams. However, contrary to expectations, there has been little concrete movement, with no major club, including Manchester United, putting forth a solid offer for the Brentford forward.
Toney’s name had frequently come up in discussions surrounding potential transfers to the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. While these clubs were thought to be his most likely destinations, the situation has taken an unexpected turn. Tottenham opted to bolster their attack by signing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth, effectively removing themselves from the running for Toney. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Chelsea have not demonstrated serious interest, leading to doubts about whether Toney is truly seen as a fit for these top Premier League outfits.
Adding to the growing skepticism about Toney’s future at a top club, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has voiced his reservations regarding the forward’s suitability for the Red Devils. Ferdinand, a respected figure in football analysis, has questioned whether the 28-year-old striker would mesh well with Manchester United’s tactical approach and strategic vision. Speaking to the *Daily Mail*, Ferdinand expressed his doubts, stating, “Personally, I wouldn’t go after someone like Ivan Toney. His age and profile don’t seem to match what the club needs.” He elaborated further, suggesting that the lack of offers from other major clubs, despite earlier speculations of potential £80m to £100m bids from teams like Arsenal or Chelsea, is puzzling. “I’m confused by this. For Manchester United, I just don’t see it working,” Ferdinand concluded, indicating his belief that Toney might not be the right fit for the club’s future.
Toney’s performances last season were undeniably impressive. He finished the 2022-23 Premier League campaign as the third-highest goalscorer, netting 20 goals in 33 appearances, only behind the prolific Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. Such a record naturally attracted attention, but the lack of formal offers from top clubs raises questions about how his abilities are perceived by those in charge of recruitment at these clubs.
Manchester United, for their part, have already taken steps to strengthen their attacking lineup. The club secured the services of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee earlier in the transfer window, adding him to a forward line that already boasts young talents like Rasmus Hojlund. Despite these additions, recent reports suggest that United might still be on the lookout for further reinforcements, indicating that their transfer business might not be concluded just yet.
As the transfer window edges closer to its deadline, Manchester United’s next moves will be closely watched. The club’s strategy regarding its forward options is a hot topic of debate, particularly whether to proceed with pursuing Toney or to set their sights on alternative targets. Much will depend on how Erik ten Hag and the club’s decision-makers assess the current squad’s dynamics and what they believe is required to compete effectively at the highest levels, both domestically and in European competitions. The coming days will likely provide more clarity on Manchester United’s transfer ambitions and their plans to solidify their attacking options.