I warned against signing him but you didn’t listen. Now we are going to face the consequences. I just knew that he was going to flop soon. He’s not going to survive in the Premier League” β This is according to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand as he had cautioned Manchester United against signing a striker who had scored 11 goals in his former club following his performance against Brantley. Why is he always against everything π³π It’s just a small mistake π³π There is no way he’s going to flop π³π
Manchester United have been advised to reconsider any pursuit of Brentford’s standout striker, Ivan Toney, despite previous speculation linking him to several top Premier League clubs. Although Toney, an England international, was anticipated to be one of the most sought-after players during the summer transfer window, there has been an unexpected lack of solid interest from major teams, including United.
Earlier in the summer, Toney was rumored to be on the radar of clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. However, Tottenham opted to sign Bournemouthβs Dominic Solanke instead, while Arsenal and Chelsea have remained quiet, leaving questions about Toneyβs appeal to the top clubs in England.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has also expressed reservations about Toney potentially joining Old Trafford. Drawing on his knowledge of Unitedβs needs and future goals, Ferdinand voiced concerns about the 28-year-old striker’s fit within the teamβs strategy. He cited both Toneyβs age and style of play as factors that may not align with the club’s long-term objectives.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ferdinand explained, βI wouldnβt go for Ivan Toney. His profile, including his age, just doesnβt suit the club.β He also remarked on the unexpected drop in interest for the striker, saying, βItβs oddβhe was once linked to Arsenal or Chelsea for around Β£100 million or Β£80 million, and now no oneβs bidding. Itβs puzzling. For Manchester United, I donβt see it working.β
Toney had an impressive 2022-23 Premier League season, scoring 20 goals in 33 games, ranking him third behind Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. His ability to score, his physical presence, and his role as a leading striker would undoubtedly make him an asset for many teams looking to strengthen their attack.
Nevertheless, Manchester Unitedβs recent signings suggest they are exploring younger options. They have already brought in Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, who joins promising young striker Rasmus Hojlund. This trend towards youthful talent suggests United is focusing on long-term development. However, there are still rumors that the club may add another forward before the transfer window closes.
As the window nears its final days, Manchester Unitedβs transfer decisions are under scrutiny. The potential pursuit of Ivan Toney has sparked debate, especially with Ferdinandβs concerns coming into the spotlight. While Toneyβs goal-scoring ability makes him an attractive option, Ferdinandβs comments highlight a larger discussion about the type of players United should target. If they move forward with Toney, it could indicate a shift towards prioritizing immediate success over future growth.
On the flip side, avoiding Toney may reaffirm the clubβs commitment to building a squad around younger players with room to develop under Unitedβs system. As the transfer window draws to a close, Unitedβs choices will play a key role not only in shaping the upcoming season but also in defining their long-term strategic direction. The football world will be closely watching how United approaches this critical period, as their decisions could impact their success in the seasons ahead.