BREAKING NEWS: “I cautioned against signing him, but my advice was ignored. Now we’ll face the repercussions. I had a feeling he would struggle soon. He won’t thrive in the Premier League,” said Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, reflecting on the decision to acquire a striker who had previously netted 11 goals at his former club, following his performance against Brighton.

Manchester United have been advised against pursuing Brentford’s striker, Ivan Toney, despite earlier rumours linking him with top Premier League clubs. While the England international was anticipated to be a major target in the summer transfer window, there has been a surprising lack of concrete interest from the elite clubs, including Manchester United.

Earlier in the summer, Toney was heavily linked with moves to top-tier clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United.

However, Tottenham opted for Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke instead, and neither Arsenal nor Chelsea made any moves for Toney, raising questions about his suitability and desirability among the Premier League’s top clubs.

Amid these speculations, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has expressed concerns about Toney’s potential move to Old Trafford. With a deep understanding of United’s strategic needs, Ferdinand has doubts about whether the 28-year-old striker fits into the club’s plans. He believes that Toney’s age and playing style might not align with what Manchester United are trying to build for the future.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ferdinand stated, “Personally, I wouldn’t go for someone like Ivan Toney. I think the age, that profile is wrong for the club.” He found it puzzling that Toney, who was previously considered a hot prospect with price tags of £80-£100 million being floated, now has no serious suitors. “It’s strange because everyone was talking about him possibly moving to Arsenal or Chelsea for big money, but now there are no bidders. It’s mystifying. For Manchester United, I just don’t see it as a fit.”

Toney’s impressive 2022-23 Premier League season, where he scored 20 goals in 33 appearances and finished third behind Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in the top scorer charts, suggests he should be a highly sought-after player. His physicality and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their attack.

However, Manchester United’s recent transfer activities suggest they are focusing on younger talent to integrate into their long-term plans. They have already signed Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee and have promising talent like Rasmus Hojlund in their forward line. This indicates a preference for youth over more experienced players like Toney. Nevertheless, rumours persist that United may still be searching for another attacking player before the transfer window closes.

With the transfer window nearing its end, Manchester United’s strategies are under scrutiny. The speculation around Toney, coupled with Ferdinand’s concerns, highlights a broader discussion about the type of players United should be targeting.

Should they pursue Toney, it could signal a shift in their transfer policy, prioritizing immediate impact over future potential. On the other hand, avoiding Toney may reinforce their commitment to building a young, dynamic squad. The final weeks of the transfer window will be crucial in shaping Manchester United’s future and competitive edge in the upcoming seasons.