Manchester United's surprising decision on Ivan Toney transfer revealed
- Manchester United were linked with Ivan Toney during the summer transfer window but ultimately decided against signing him.
- The club's management, particularly Erik Ten Hag, expressed concerns regarding Toney's pressing ability, which did not align with their desired striker profile.
- Instead, United opted for Joshua Zirkzee, who was signed for £36 million from Bologna, raising questions about their decision to pass on Toney.
During the summer transfer window, Manchester United explored various options to strengthen their forward line, including Ivan Toney, who was a prominent figure at Brentford. Despite initial interest, the club ultimately decided against pursuing Toney, citing concerns over his pressing capabilities. Manager Erik Ten Hag emphasized the need for a striker who could energetically press defenders, a quality he felt Toney lacked. As a result of their assessment, Manchester United shifted their focus and secured Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36 million. This decision raised discussions among fans and analysts regarding the potential implications of passing on Toney, especially given his proven track record in the Premier League. Toney, who had entered the final year of his contract with Brentford, was sold to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, where he quickly made an impact by scoring twice in his first two league matches. His performance in Saudi Arabia has drawn attention, particularly in light of United's decision not to sign him. The contrasting fortunes of Zirkzee and Toney have led to speculation about whether Manchester United will regret their choice in the long run, especially as they seek to improve their attacking options in the current season.