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Manchester United’s defeat via penalty shoot-out in the Community Shield against Manchester City will be a hard pill to swallow for Erik ten Hag considering the amount of chances his team created.
The Red Devils were by far the better team on the day and after fluffing their lines on several occasions, they ultimately took the lead through Alejandro Garnacho but could not hold on as Bernardo Silva equalised.
Marcus Rashford was guilty of wasting two glorious chances while Scott McTominay was at fault for spurning one gilt-edged opportunity.
With Rasmus Hojlund out for several weeks and Joshua Zirkzee yet to adapt to his new surroundings, the Dutch manager will be concerned with the form of his current options.
Striker hunt
This is exactly why the 20-time English league champions have been linked with a move for Ivan Toney, though not at Brentford’s current asking price.
The price will need to reduce drastically if the team from Old Trafford are to make their move. There have also been murmurs of a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin but it is unlikely given United’s troubles with convincing Everton to part with Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Daily Star have surprisingly revealed that United could make a late push for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson so as to stop Chelsea from signing a long-term target of theirs.
The Republic of Ireland international is a self-confessed United fan and at 19, he fits the INEOS bill of signing young talents with Premier League experience.
Dan Ashworth, who was formerly associated with the Seagulls, was instrumental in bringing in striker to the Amex Stadium, and he could push for a move.
However, the team from the South coast will be asking for a minimum of £50 million to part ways with their hitman, a figure INEOS would find hard to cough up.
Ferguson late bid?
“Manchester United are weighing up a late £50million summer swoop for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson. United have a long-standing interest in the Republic of Ireland forward, 19, and are concerned they could be beaten to his signature by rivals Chelsea.
“But Brighton are in a strong negotiating position with the player under contract until June 2029. Hence, it will take an offer of £50m-plus from United to tempt them to off-load another of the prized-assets assembled at the Amex Stadium.”
Last season, the youngster struggled with form and injury troubles, netting only six times while in the 22/23 campaign, Ferguson scored 10 times.
All of United’s previous attempts at signing the striker ended in failure and it is likely that any pursuit this summer will meet the same fate.
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