Ivan Toney signs, Sancho exit, £36.5m deal done – Dream Man United attack after four transfers

One of INEOS’s top aims this summer was to sign a fresh attacking option for Manchester United, as the team lacked firepower among other things last season.

Joshua Zirkzee, a star player from the Netherlands, was brought in swiftly and decisively. Bologna, an Italian team, received £36.5 million from United for his services. The 23-year-old was signed by INEOS as a versatile option to compete and cover for Rasmus Hojlund, while Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are the two chosen starts in wider positions. INEOS moved quickly to finalise the agreement.

Will that, however, be in the attacking quarters? United’s focus going forward will be mostly on fortifying their midfield and defence. Both sections keep an eye on their targets, which are mostly reliant on sales.

In addition to Scott McTominay, who United has previously turned down this summer, other players that could be moved include Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, and returning forward Jadon Sancho. Two years after making his own high-profile move from Ajax, Antony is another guy whose future at Old Trafford is in doubt.

From here on, the offensive strategy is quite straightforward. The departures of Wan-Bissaka and Lindelof would increase the need for one or more new defenders, and Casemiro’s move to Saudi Arabia will quicken efforts to sign a new midfield player.

You get the idea. Nevertheless, United can receive additional money to spend if it generates profits from Sancho.

Amad Diallo and Zirkzee appear to be waiting in the wings, but Erik ten Hag and United have five senior players available for use in attacking situations, including the familiar three of Garnacho, Hojlund, and Rashford from the previous campaign. The sixth and final choice would theoretically be either Sancho or Antony, unless they both decide to go.

There might be room in the budget for another signing in that case. Maybe you could move forward, Ivan Toney?

The England international, whose contract with Brentford expires in 12 months, has been frequently linked to a move to Old Trafford—though that was before Zirzkee arrived. This summer is their last opportunity to get a fair price for him. Those on red alert are reportedly Chelsea and Arsenal.

Although United doesn’t really need Toney, INEOS might find it impossible to pass up the chance to defeat two Premier League opponents. While pursuing a goal may be seen as stockpiling, the 28-year-old would assist Hojlund and Zirkzee improve their skill set and get some additional experience.

An agreement made in the present to benefit the future. Ten Hag was occasionally left perplexed last season as to which players and in what roles to choose for attacking situations.

With Sancho and Antony gone, Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund, Amad, Zirkzee, and Toney could pose just as much of a challenge for the Dutchman. But, if money were not an object, that headache would be much more welcome!

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