Why Manchester United turned down a deal to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford in the summer

Manchester United reportedly failed to concretely pursue the signing of Ivan Toney from Brentford because they harboured concerns about how he would fit into Erik ten Hag’s brand of football.

Toney was repeatedly linked to a move to Old Trafford during the summer window but needless to say, a transfer never got over the line.

The England international, despite plenty of interest in his services from top English clubs including United, ended up joining Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli.

He has had a productive start to life in the Gulf state, netting three times in four matches.

Meanwhile, United brought in Joshua Zirkee from Bologna in a deal worth around £36.5million.

The Dutch international has demonstrated glimpses of his brilliance, especially in terms of holding up the ball and linking up play. However, his finishing has raised some question marks. Indeed, Zirkzee has failed to convert a number of clear-cut chances that have come his way in recent games.

ESPN reveals that Toney was disqualified from United’s shortlist because the club felt he was not aggressive enough in the press.

According to the newspaper, “Before signing Zirkzee, United had considered a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney, but sources have said that the England forward was ruled out because he didn’t fit Ten Hag’s profile for the required striker in that, while boasting an impressive strike-rate, he didn’t press defenders energetically enough.”

Toney’s best Premier League campaign to date came in 2022/23 when he bagged an impressive 20 goals as Brentford finished ninth in the table.

However, the 28-year-old only managed to score on four occasions in 17 appearances last term, after coming back from his betting ban.

United will certainly be hoping that Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund prove themselves capable of leading the line and in the process, ushering the Red Devils into a new era of sustained success and glory.

It’s no secret that at the moment, Ten Hag’s side are struggling to put away their chances, with bottom clubs Wolves and Everton having scored as many as them (five) so far this season.

As noted by ESPN, only three teams – Crystal Palace (4), Ipswich Town (3) and Southampton (2) – have scored fewer goals than United.

The 20-time English champions return to action on Wednesday night when they host FC Twente in their opening match of the Europa League.

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