In a recent column for The Sun, former Watford striker Troy Deeney has urged Manchester United to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney as he believes that he will be ‘a perfect fit for United in terms of what they currently need up front.’
‘This guy has proven for a few years now that he can do it on the next level,’ Deeney wrote.
‘I remember Ivan was linked with Arsenal and Manchester United previously and he would have shone there.
‘He would have been a perfect fit for United in terms of what they currently need upfront, as well as Arsenal until Gabriel Jesus redefined that role for them.
‘If he has the year he will likely have, even Chelsea will be keeping an eye on him.
‘He could go there long-term and be a real success under Graham Potter.
‘You look at the certain type of striker nowadays, your Darwin Nunez or Erling Haaland who are 6ft-plus and are mobile and can score all different types of goals, you have to put Ivan in that category.
‘He has always been a humble kid but he is very confident in his ability and when you score the amount he has over the past two years, you would back yourself.’
Good Option For Ten Hag?
Having come through the ranks at Northampton, Ivan Toney signed for Brentford from Peterborough in September 2020 for a fee in the region of £5 million. Over the course of the past three years, the English striker has made 96 appearances for the Bees – scoring 52 goals and bagging 19 assists across all competitions.
Even this season, the 26-year-old forward has managed to put up some impressive numbers on the board – scoring five goals and assisting two more in six league appearances. Besides, he averages 2.5 shots, 1.7 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per ninety minutes in the English top-flight.
Manchester United are in dire need of reinforcements in the striker’s department – and Toney fits the bill perfectly. Aged 26, he has plenty of time on his side and is already well accustomed to the Premier League. Hence, the board should go all out for his signature in the upcoming transfer window.
(Stats from WhoScored)
