Ivan Toney signs, Sancho exit, £36.5m deal done – Dream Man United attack after four transfers
Manchester United lacked firepower last season – among other qualities – and signing a new attacking option was among the first priorities for INEOS this summer.
Acting quickly and decisively, Netherlands star Joshua Zirkzee was brought in, and United paid £36.5million to Italian side Bologna for his services. Signed to provide cover and competition for Rasmus Hojlund, with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford two preferred starters in wider positions, the 23-year-old was identified as a versatile option, and INEOS wasted next to no time in getting his deal over the line.
But will that be that in attacking quarters? From this point on, United will put (most) their efforts into strengthening up their defence and midfield. Targets are on radar in both areas and are largely dependent on sales.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro and returning forward Jadon Sancho are among those who could be sold, while United have already rebuffed interest in Scott McTominay this summer. Antony is another man who has an uncertain future at Old Trafford two years on from his own big-money arrival from Ajax.
The plan of attack from here on is pretty simple. Wan-Bissaka and Lindelof departing would hasten the need for a new defender or two, while Casemiro heading to Saudi Arabia will accelerate the chase to sign another midfielder.
You get the picture. Generating funds through Sancho, though, might give United bonus money to spend.
Erik ten Hag and United have five senior players to call upon in attacking quarters – including last season’s familiar trio of Garnacho, Hojlund and Rashford – with Amad Diallo and Zirkzee seemingly waiting in the wings. Either Sancho or Antony would, in theory, be the sixth and final option – unless they both end up leaving.
In that scenario, there could be scope in the budget for another signing. Step forward, Ivan Toney, perhaps?
Regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford – albeit before Zirzkee touched down – the England international has 12 months to run on his contract with Brentford, and this summer represents their final chance to get a reasonable fee for him. Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be among those on red alert.
United do not need Toney, as such, but the opportunity to get one over two Premier League rivals might be too good for INEOS to refuse. A pursuit might be regarded as stockpiling, but the 28-year-old would offer some extra experience while helping Hojlund and Zirkzee hone their skillset.
A signing for the present to help the future. At times last season, Ten Hag was left scratching his head as to who should be picked in attacking quarters and in which roles.
Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund, Amad, Zirkzee and Toney – with Sancho and Antony gone – might be as challenging for the Dutchman. However, funds dependent, it would be a much more welcome headache!
