Manchester United have already spent £36million to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in order to improve their attack but Erik ten Hag still isn't satisfied with his options
Manchester United haven't given up hope of signing £40million-rated Ivan Toney - and he could drastically change their attack.
Toney, 28, has entered the final year of his contract at current club Brentford, who'd be willing to do business at around £40million. The England international has frequently been linked with a move to Old Trafford, although United's decision to spend £36m on Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee in July looked to have signalled the end of their pursuit.
But it soon emerged that the Red Devils wanted to sign another striker in the summer transfer window, a desire which has grown since Rasmus Hojlund was recently ruled out for the first few weeks of the season, leaving Zirkzee as the only senior option up front. Due to representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024, however, the Dutchman didn't feature in any of United's pre-season friendlies and is unlikely to start in Saturday's Community Shield game against bitter rivals Manchester City.
That limits Erik ten Hag's options for now but if United can get Toney over the line, there's a variety of ways which they could set up for the 2024-25 Premier League season. looks at what Ten Hag's dream front three could be - and some more.
The all England club: Sancho, Toney, Rashford
Jadon Sancho has had such a stop-start career at Old Trafford that the £73million winger could well feel like a new signing this season. Having buried the hatchet with Ten Hag after helping Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final while on loan there, he's hungry to make himself a regular for United three years after first arriving.
His style of play would compliment Marcus Rashford's more direct approach on the left wing, with the Red Devils hero desperate to silence his critics after also missing out on Euro 2024 like Sancho. Neither have played alongside Toney before but the Brentford talisman's physical presence down the middle would allow Rashford and Sancho to run in behind and profit from flick-ons and Toney's acclaimed hold-up play.
Pure pace: Garnacho, Zirkzee, Rashford
Nothing gets Old Trafford off their feet like a winger rapidly marauding down the flanks, so why not two? Alejandro Garnacho was among Ten Hag's most used players last season and it's hard to believe that he's still only 20. He's certainly deserving of a starting spot and could even challenge Rashford on the left flank if Sancho - or one of Amad or Antony - gets the nod on the right.
Tried and tested: Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford
The common setup during their dismal 2023-24 campaign, scoring goals certainly wasn't United's biggest issue last season when these three were on the pitch together. The problem for Ten Hag was injuries and that's what prompted him to look for two new strikers who can take the burden off Hojlund.
At 21, the Dane could learn from being team-mates with the more experienced Toney, who also showed for England that he's capable of making an impact as a substitute.
The switch-up: Fernandes; Zirkzee, Toney
For the vast majority of Ten Hag's reign, he's stuck with a 4-2-3-1 formation and had two wingers flanking one striker. But at times last season, the ex-Ajax boss used a 4-4-2 diamond both in and out possession, with Bruno Fernandes sometimes finding himself as the No.9 and Scott McTominay sitting slightly deeper, such as in May's FA Cup final victory.
So, given that Zirkzee recently admitted that he's a 'nine-and-a-half', how about playing him alongside Toney (or Hojlund) with Fernandes pulling the strings in behind? Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo both have the all-round attributes to operate as shuttling midfielders, and McTominay previously played as one under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The formation would also offer Casemiro more protection in the No.6 role ahead of what's set to be a make-or-break season for many at Old Trafford.
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