BREAKING NEWS: “I cautioned against bringing him in, but you didn’t heed my warning. Now we’ll have to deal with the fallout. I predicted he would struggle, and he won’t make it in the Premier League,” said Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand. His comments came after a striker, who scored 11 goals at his previous club, underperformed in a match against Barnsley.

Manchester United have been advised to reconsider their interest in Brentford’s Ivan Toney, despite earlier reports linking him to some of the Premier League’s top clubs. Toney, an England international, was expected to be a highly sought-after player in the summer transfer window, but there has been a surprising lack of concrete moves from major clubs, including Manchester United.

Earlier in the transfer window, Toney was rumored to be a target for elite clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. However, Tottenham ultimately chose Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke, while Arsenal and Chelsea did not pursue Toney. This has raised questions about whether Toney is still a priority for top clubs in the Premier League.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has voiced his concerns about Toney’s potential move to Old Trafford. With deep knowledge of United’s needs, Ferdinand doubts whether the 28-year-old striker fits the club’s current goals. He believes that Toney’s age and style may not align with what Manchester United are building for the future.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ferdinand said, “Personally, I wouldn’t go for someone like Ivan Toney. The age and profile are wrong for the club.” Ferdinand also expressed confusion over why Toney’s demand has waned, despite earlier speculations of a high-value move. “It’s strange because everyone was talking about him going to Arsenal or Chelsea for £80 to £100 million, but now there are no bidders. It’s mystifying.”

Toney’s performance in the 2022-23 season, where he scored 20 goals in 33 matches, finishing behind only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, suggests he should still be highly valued. His physicality, goal-scoring ability, and leadership on the field make him an appealing option for teams needing attacking reinforcements.

Despite Toney’s strengths, Manchester United’s recent signings show they may be looking elsewhere for their attacking needs. The addition of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee and promising young talent Rasmus Hojlund suggests United are focusing on younger players with long-term potential. However, reports indicate the club may still be in the market for another forward before the window closes.

As the transfer window nears its end, Manchester United’s decisions will be closely watched. Whether or not they pursue Toney, their actions will likely signal the club’s direction in both the short and long term.