Manchester United make Ivan Toney transfer ‘decision’ after Rasmus Hojlund injury

Due to Joshua Zirkzee’s injury, Rasmus Hojlund may need to be replaced as Manchester United’s only attacker.

Ivan Toney is apparently still being considered by Manchester United as a way to bolster the team after Rasmus Hojlund’s injury.

A transfer to Toney was previously said to be “very unlikely” following the acquisition of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna earlier this month. Hojlund’s injury, nevertheless, has left Zirkzee—an inexperienced attacker in the Premier League—as their lone striker.

Following his hamstring injury sustained during the friendly loss to Arsenal, Hojlund is expected to miss six weeks of action. The 21-year-old will miss the Community Shield match against Manchester City, Fulham’s home Premier League opener, Brighton’s away game, and Liverpool’s visit.

After the September internationals, he might be available, but Erik ten Hag won’t have many choices for attacking. According to The Telegraph, United may decide to trade Forney because the Dutch manager is reportedly interested in acquiring another striker.

Despite teenager Chido Obi-Martin agreeing to transfer to Old Trafford after leaving Arsenal, it has been suggested that the Brentford star is still a possibility. Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano had stated that Obi-Martin’s assurance that he would be United’s third choice for the upcoming season was a major factor in his decision to sign.

Obi-Martin was rumoured to play primarily for the club’s academy but also get opportunity to play for the first team when needed. But if United revived their interest in Toney, that would be a reversal of course.

Toney’s departure from Brentford after four seasons is quite likely this summer, but interest in him has been lower than it was during the January transfer window. The Daily Mail claims that as a result, the Bees have lowered their asking price from £80 million to less than £50 million.

The striker participated in the squad led by former England manager Gareth Southgate, which advanced to the Euro 2024 final. But since serving an eight-month betting suspension, Toney has had trouble staying on track.

Paul Scholes, a former United midfielder, has lately advised the team to hire a striker who may provide them with goals for the upcoming campaign. “I believe it was a little unfair that they had to rely on Rasmus Hojlund, a rookie player, last year. He’s still learning the game as a young player.

“I believe it was a little unfair that they had to rely on Rasmus Hojlund, a rookie player, last year. He’s still learning the game as a young player. I don’t know if that man is out there. However, I believe they need someone who has demonstrated their abilities in order to succeed the following year.”

With 21 goals and five assists in 35 games across all competitions in the 2022–2023 season, Toney would fulfil that description.