Manchester United have Rasmus Hojlund to call on up front – but have made it clear they're looking for another forward
(Image credit: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United are well-positioned to sign a striker who's no stranger to controversy.
The Red Devils are sixth in the table with a very disappointing goal difference after 29 matches. Erik ten Hag's side have broken even with goals scored and conceded – 39 each – some +17 off next-placed Tottenham, while Arsenal have a goal difference of +46 at the top of the tree.
With only the young Rasmus Hojlund as their most natural option to play at centre-forward, there is the clear need for more firepower in Manchester United's attack – which has led them down an intriguing avenue in the transfer market.
Rasmus Hojlund is United's only natural option at No.9 (Image credit: Getty Images)
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has called the 20-time English champions the “ones to watch” in Ivan Toney's imminent decision over his future, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham United all said to be interested in the England international.
Toney returned from a betting ban this season and has been among the goals for Brentford – but has ruffled feathers for his somewhat brazen admittance that his future lies elsewhere. The 28-year-old refused to rule out a transfer in January, telling Sky Sports that he wanted to play for a “top club”, in a move that some fans found disrespectful.
United have a history of bringing controversial and larger-than-life characters to Old Trafford, stretching back to the likes of Eric Cantona – and though Toney would have to share minutes with Hojlund, the move could be a masterstroke if the Northampton-born forward is available for a sensible price.
Ivan Toney could be Old Trafford-bound (Image credit: Getty Images)
In FourFourTwo's view, however, any interest from the Red Devils in Toney right now is almost certainly only a monitoring of his situation, with new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe still needing to install a backroom setup and confirm the manager for season.
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Transfermarkt estimates Toney's value to be €50 million.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
