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Manchester United are once again facing the prospect of starting the new season having to rely on a young striker who is inexperienced when it comes to playing in the Premier League.
Joshua Zirkzee was signed early on in the window as another forward option after Erik ten Hag was forced to rely on Rasmus Hojlund last season even though it was evident that the Dane was being overplayed.
Due to the perennial injury woes of Anthony Martial and the poor form of Marcus Rashford, Ten Hag had no choice but to keep playing the Denmark international as the Glazers did not support him neither in the summer nor in January.
But INEOS were quick to identify the forward line as an area of weakness and in came the former Bologna ace. But with Hojlund set to be sidelined for six weeks, the Red Devils are staring at the exact same problem once again.
Striker shortage again
Marcus Rashford prefers the left wing and while the manager did reveal that Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes can play the false nine role, it is certainly not their strongest suite.
The 20-time English league champions were internally discussing bringing in another striker with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ivan Toney of Brentford among the names discussed.
As relayed by The Peoples Person, the Bees hitman could be an option only if the London team reduce their asking price below £40 million.
Currently, Thomas Frank’s side are asking for £50 million, a price they are unlikely to fetch considering the England international’s contract ends in 2025.
There are numerous clubs interested in the 28-year-old but as per Football Insider, United are considering a late move for Toney should all conditions be met.
Late bid for Toney
The Englishman is proven in the English top-flight and is an out-and-out striker capable of playing with his back to goal, something United’s current forwards lack.
“Man United are plotting a late-window bid for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, sources have told Football Insider. The 20-time champions are exploring the market for a proven centre-forward, and Toney is on their shortlist.
“The situation has left United without an orthodox senior striker, and Erik ten Hag is pushing for the club to secure another frontline option who is proven at the highest level.”
United will require a few substantial sales if they are to bid for Toney and afford his humongous wage demands. As of now, that seems pretty unlikely.
A lot will depend on how United begin the season and a rough start on the field might prompt INEOS into action.
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