Manchester United remain hopeful about acquiring Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who is valued at £40 million. If the deal goes through, Toney could play a key role in strengthening Erik ten Hag’s attacking options.
Toney, 28, is entering the final year of his contract with Brentford, and the club appears willing to sell him for approximately £40 million. The England international has been frequently linked with a move to Manchester United, despite the club spending £36 million on Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee in July, which initially seemed to end their interest in Toney.
However, the need for an additional forward at United became more urgent after Rasmus Hojlund was sidelined for the early part of the season, leaving Zirkzee as the only seasoned striker available. Zirkzee, who represented the Netherlands at Euro 2024, missed all of United’s pre-season fixtures and is unlikely to feature in the upcoming Community Shield match against Manchester City on Saturday.
Potential United Attacking Trios
Sancho, Toney, Rashford
Jadon Sancho’s tenure at Old Trafford has been inconsistent, but this season might offer a fresh start. After resolving differences with Ten Hag following his loan spell that saw him contribute to Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League final run, Sancho is keen to secure a regular role at United. His playing style could complement Marcus Rashford’s direct approach on the left wing. Though neither has played alongside Toney before, Toney’s physicality and ability to hold up play could create space and opportunities for both Sancho and Rashford.
Garnacho, Zirkzee, Rashford
Old Trafford fans love a classic winger, so why not have two? Alejandro Garnacho, who was one of Ten Hag’s most utilized players last season, could contend for a starting position, even challenging Rashford for the left wing spot. With Sancho, Amad, or Antony on the right, this trio could offer United a dynamic and unpredictable attack.
Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford
Despite a challenging 2023-24 season, United still found the net when these three were on the field together. Injuries forced Ten Hag to seek two new strikers to share the load with Hojlund. At just 21, Hojlund could benefit from pairing with the experienced Toney, who has demonstrated his ability to make an impact off the bench for England.
Fernandes; Zirkzee, Toney
Throughout most of Ten Hag’s tenure at United, he has favored a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two wingers supporting a lone striker. However, last season, the manager occasionally deployed a 4-4-2 diamond, with Bruno Fernandes operating as a No. 9 and Scott McTominay in a deeper role, as seen in the FA Cup final in May. Given that Zirkzee recently described himself as a “nine-and-a-half,” there’s potential for him to pair with Toney (or Hojlund) up front, with Fernandes orchestrating the attack from behind. Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo could serve as shuttling midfielders, while McTominay adds depth, providing cover for Casemiro in what is shaping up to be a critical season for many at Old Trafford.
