Manchester United may soon be partying like it’s 1999 all over again.
Now, we don’t mean another treble success in on the cards. For all the impressive progress made by Ineos behind the scenes since Sir Jim Ratcliffe seized control, this Manchester United side is still very much a work in progress on the pitch.
But after years of their striking options consisting of one 30-something veteran and a crocked Antony Martial, could the Red Devils soon be choosing between three top-level centre-forwards in their prime?
A throwback to the days of ’99, when Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke started the Champions League final and Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rose from the bench to break Bayern Munich’s hearts?
Or 2009, when Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov were striking fear into the heart of centre-halves the world over?
Manchester United overhaul their attacking options
Man United are yet to officially confirm the £35 million signing of Bologna ace Joshua Zirkzee but it is only a matter of time.
Zirkzee, who will sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford, underwent medical tests on Friday after touching down in England.
23-year-old Zirkzee is Martial’s long-awaited successor, and ease the burden on a 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund.
Now, former Man United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen this week spoke out about the ‘very skilful’ Zirkzee, feeling that his compatriot could be an ‘interesting’ addition to Ten Hag’s ranks.
The only surprise, for Meulensteen, is that United did not go for a more ‘experienced’ option, per talkSPORT.
Well, they still could.
Ivan Toney’s contract expires next summer. And while speculation has been a little quiet so far – perhaps due to Toney’s involvement at Euro 2024 – there is still a very real chance that a striker at the peak of his powers will be on the move between now and September.
According to Christian Falk – a reporter who specialises in Bayern Munich and claims to know a lot about United’s striker plans at a time in which ex-Allianz Arena starlet Zirkzee heads to Manchester – it is certainly possible that Toney ends the summer in that famous red shirt too.
Falk, writing on X, insists that there is interest from Man United in the Brentford talisman. What’s more, Toney is interested in United too.
He ‘wants to join’ Ten Hag’s team, and his agent has reportedly informed The Bees of his stance.
Brentford want £50 million for Ivan Toney
Toney will not come cheap.
Despite his precarious contract situation, HITC understands that Brentford will still hold out for £50 million. Then again, there could still be plenty of opportunities to haggle for a lower fee, though United will probably have to wait until they can seal the departure of Mason Greenwood before they can realistically step up their interest.
Marseille are reportedly close to a £27 million deal for Greenwood, per The Times. But confirmation of his move to France has not yet arrived.
While Zirkzee and Hojlund are still very much a work in progress, Toney is a footballer at the peak of his powers at 28.
He would give United a so-called ‘proven’ Premier League goalscorer too, having broken the 20-goal barrier in England’s top flight back in 2022/23.
Toney set up Mathias Jensen’s late equaliser during Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Man United late last term, twisting Lisandro Martinez inside out before pulling a fine cross to the edge of the penalty area.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
