Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on a player who has been repeatedly linked with Manchester United.
The summer transfer window may be several months away but that doesn’t stop Manchester United from being touted with an interest in countless players.
That is only going to increase now Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of 27.7 per cent of the club’s shares has been officially completed.
One striker United have been repeatedly linked with in recent years is Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Pep Guardiola is a big fan.
Pep Guardiola’s praise for Ivan Toney
Speaking after City’s narrow win over Brentford on Tuesday, Guardiola was full of praise for Toney.
He said to the BBC: “They’re such a difficult team.
“This season we lost six points [against Brentford]. They have the ability with Ivan Toney – he’s a master player, a really good player.
“Other than that they’re really good at free-kicks, throw-ins and so on.”
Should Manchester United sign Ivan Toney?
There might well have been a time when Toney would have been a really smart signing for United.
The 27-year-old is a proven Premier League quality, now with 36 goals to his name in two complete seasons and six appearances this term.
His physical presence coupled with his elegant skill, clinical finishing and icey composure could have made him a real focal point when Erik ten Hag’s side were lacking a man to lead the line.
However, they are no longer lacking that man. After taking some time to settle into life in England, Rasmus Hojlund is beginning to reach his potential.
The Dane has bagged a goal in six successive matches and appears to be the spearhead United have been crying out for for years.
It’s not to say United don’t need another striker. Hojlund is still young and has had injury problems. He should have a quality backup.
But Toney would cost too much to be that and wouldn’t be satisfied with playing second fiddle. A move to Chelsea or Arsenal makes much more sense for him.
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