Manchester United plotting surprise move for Premier League star to bolster attack - Reports
Manchester United are reportedly looking to bolster their attack with the addition of a striker to support young forward Rasmus Hojlund. According to Football Insider, the Red Devils have targeted Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
The club is looking at providing more firepower to underfire manager Erik ten Hag as they aim to return to Europe. The three-time European champions finished in eighth spot in the Premier League in the 2023-24 season, failing to secure European football.
Brentford kept faith in Toney despite his suspension due to his involvement in the betting scandal. He missed more than half of the Premier League season, but came back in the second half to score four goals and two assists in 17 games.
The 28-year-old forward is entering the final year of his contract with the Bees and the club could finally decide to cash in on him. Brentford are expected to demand over £50 million from Manchester United for the Englishman, who represented England in the recently concluded Euro 2024.
How has the pre-season and transfer window gone for Manchester United so far?
The pre-season hasn't turned out to be the ideal one for the Old Trafford outfit. The 20-time English champions suffered a double injury blow as new signing Leny Yoro and striker Rasmus Hojlund limped off their 3-2 win over Real Betis in the U.S.
That win was sandwiched between their losses to rivals Arsenal (1-2) and most recently, Liverpool (0-3), as part of their North America tour.
Yoro is expected to be out for three months while the club will be without the Danish striker till mid-September. The situation has left Manchester United without a traditional No. 9 and it seems like that is what is causing their Dutch manager to push for another senior striker to lead the frontline.
Ten Hag currently has Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as options for the striker position. Captain Bruno Fernandes has also deputized up top in a false 9 position while new signing Joshua Zirkzee has said that he can play as a false 9 (via 90Min).
The Red Devils pulled out of negotiations for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who was rumored to be available for €60 million (£51 million). According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United are also interested in former Ajax midfielder Matthijs de Ligt and defender Noussair Mazraoui.