Erik ten Hag is reportedly already planning ahead for the summer transfer window with a striker on the agenda.
Rasmus Hojlund is making great progress at Manchester United lately, recently scoring for his fourth Premier League game in a row.
He is a solution for the club’s goalscoring problems, but he cannot do it all on his own, and a new centre-forward is on the agenda for the summer.
Financial restrictions meant United could not do a deal in January, and a permanent solution is required, rather than a six-month stop-gap.
Erik ten Hag admires Ivan Toney
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is taking an interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to reports.
The Mirror write: “Ten Hag has identified Toney as a potential solution to United’s goal drought – but Old Trafford chiefs are unwilling to pay over the odds for him.
This is the sensible approach for Manchester United to take. Brentford were demanding an excessive amount for Toney in January, reluctant to lose him mid-season, and subsequently received no offers.
Toney, 27, would present the right type of stop-gap for United, a player who is still highly ambitious to achieve over the next three to four years, rather than one whose best days are behind him.
He is a Premier League proven player who struck 20 goals in 33 games last season and has two in three games since his return from suspension this season.
At the right price he would be a very useful addition, but if Brentford are looking at trying to generate a £70 million type bidding war, then Manchester United are certainly correct to back off and look for better value elsewhere.
The club’s transfer budget for the summer is yet to be determined, but defence is also a big priority, with United seeking to sign a young centre-back, or two.
Brentford boss expecting sale
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has admitted he expects to lose Ivan Toney for the 2024/25 season.
He told Danish media outlet Tipsbladet: “It is relatively obvious that Ivan Toney will probably be sold this summer.
“We also know what he is worth. I don’t think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now.
“He is a really skilled striker who is in his prime football age. Personally, as a coach, I would prefer to keep Toney but one day it could be fun to see him on a top team.
“This winter we actually had no offers for him, but it will surprise me if there aren’t a lot of clubs that will be interested in him.”
Toney has made no secret of his desire to move on, and Erik ten Hag’s admiration of him is notable as we look towards the summer. Adding him into an attack with Rasmus Hojlund could really help Manchester United’s goalscoring threat move up a level.
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