Why Manchester United passed on deal for Ivan Toney in summer transfer window
Ivan Toney joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli from Brentford
Manchester United opted not to pursue a deal for Ivan Toney during the summer transfer window, citing concerns over his pressing abilities.
The Red Devils entered the summer in search of a new forward, with several strikers on their radar.
After extensive scouting, they ultimately signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36 million in July.
Despite interest from various Premier League clubs, including United, Toney did not make their final shortlist.
According to ESPN, United manager Erik ten Hag felt that Ivan Toney did not meet the profile he was seeking for a forward, specifically due to a perceived lack of intensity when pressing defenders.
As a result, Toney was ruled out as a potential candidate to support new signing Rasmus Højlund in United’s attack.
Toney had been linked with several top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, but neither made a formal approach to sign him.
Brentford, who were anticipating selling the striker given that he was in the final year of his contract, eventually sold him to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for £40 million.
As reported by Mirror Football, Toney’s move to Al-Ahli sees him earning an impressive £403,000 per week, including bonuses.
He has made an immediate impact, scoring twice in his first two league matches for the Saudi club, who currently sit sixth in the Saudi Pro League.
Meanwhile, Zirkzee made an excellent start to his Manchester United career by scoring the winning goal on his debut against Fulham at the beginning of August.
However, the Dutch international has since struggled to maintain that form, failing to find the net in his subsequent five appearances.
United were also buoyed by the return of Rasmus Højlund in their recent 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
The Danish striker, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, made his comeback in the final quarter of the match, providing ten Hag with more options in the forward line.
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