Manchester United are looking to sign Ivan Toney in the summer
In Manchester, everything points to another summer of rumours, unexpected twists and the need to patch up a squad that has fallen short. Fans are still waiting for news that will renew their enthusiasm, especially after an inconsistent season. Between sales, departures and names being mentioned to strengthen the attack, the board know that they cannot afford another costly mistake up front. With Viktor Gyokeres increasingly close to Arsenal, the club are forced to broaden its options. That’s where an old acquaintance from the Premier League comes in. The name Ivan Toney is back on the scene and surprising many.
According to Football Insider, the clue was given by Mick Brown, former head of United’s scouts and a man who knows the inner workings of Old Trafford well. Brown claims that the Red Devils are closely monitoring Toney, currently at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli. After a year in the Middle East, the striker would be willing to take a pay cut in order to return to England.
They see him as a clear improvement on what they have. The English striker was always a favourite of the technical department when he was shining at Brentford. His instinct for finding the goal and his imposing physique attract attention, especially when the market offers so few alternatives with proven track records in the Premier League.
Is Toney’s potential return from Al-Ahli a risky move for United, considering his age and time away from top-tier football?
“Toney is an interesting one for United. Whatever you say about him, he’s got a proven track record of scoring goals in the Premier League. He’s gone out to Saudi Arabia and continued scoring goals. Man United have been watching him, my sources tell me, and they think he is still capable of playing at the top level, plus he’s not even 30 yet, so he’s got years left in him. He’s one they’ve liked for a while, even when he was at Brentford, so it might be a surprise to see them interested again, but there aren’t a lot of strikers of his level available. From what I’m told, he would be interested in a return to the Premier League. He might have to take a cut from what he’s getting paid out there, but he wants to play at the highest level, and United could give him that chance. They see him as a definite upgrade on what they’ve got, so it’s a possibility.”
Opinion:
We are not surprised that United are considering a move like this. If you look at the list of strikers available with experience in England, Toney is one of the few who offer the numbers and character to withstand the pressure. The risk is there: he is 29 years old, he went to Saudi Arabia looking for a lucrative contract, and the competitive pace of the Premier League is not easy to regain overnight.
But we are not talking about a washed-up veteran either. If Toney maintains his ambition, he can give them a couple of seasons at a good level. Now, does he fit Ruben Amorim’s idea? The Portuguese coach demands mobility, high pressure and a number nine who knows how to link up. Toney is not as explosive as Gyokeres, nor as young as Sesko, but he offers something that is missing in the squad: immediate punch and a profile that can hold up the ball to give the attacking midfielders breathing space. In a 3-4-2-1, he would serve as an anchor, giving the inside forwards freedom. His aerial play and ability to draw centre-backs away can open up space for players like Bruno Fernandes or Matheus Cunha.
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Compared to younger alternatives, Toney falls short in terms of potential for appreciation. He is not a signing for the future. However, United cannot spend another year improvising up front with Hojlund as their only reliable number nine. If they want to make a grand return to the Champions League, they need goals from August onwards.
Toney guarantees them if he is comfortable and motivated. Personally, we think there are better options in the medium term, but few are as realistic and have Premier League experience. Everything will depend on the price, his willingness to adapt and the club’s ability to protect themselves against a possible physical decline. United must move astutely. If the deal is reasonable, Toney could be the effective stopgap that buys time while the board finds a true killer for the future.