Manchester United have passed up a deal for Ivan Toney in the summer transfer window of 2024. The reason is believed to be that they were unhappy with the way the English striker pressed.
The Red Devils head into the summer transfer window with a new striker on their priority list. They were linked with a number of strikers before settling on Joshua Zirkzee. The former Bologna man arrived at Old Trafford for £36m in July, despite scoring just 14 goals in two seasons for the Serie A side.
Before the Zirkzee deal was finalised, Man United were one of several clubs interested in Toney. But they were concerned about the move. As a result, the England striker was not on Man United's final shortlist, despite initially being considered.
According to ESPN, Toney does not fit the criteria for a striker that Ten Hag is looking for. In the Dutch strategist's opinion, he does not put enough pressure on opposing defenders.
Toney was linked with a number of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, but none of them attempted to sign him from Brentford before the August deadline. The former Brentford striker eventually joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
The Mirror revealed shortly after Toney arrived in the Middle East that he would earn a whopping £403,000 a week, including bonuses, while the Bees would also earn £40 million from the deal.
Since then, Toney has scored two goals in his first two games for Al-Ahli, who are currently sixth in the Saudi Pro League.
Meanwhile, Zirkzee got off to the perfect start at Old Trafford, scoring the winner on his debut against Fulham in August. However, the Dutchman failed to score in the five games he played after that.
United were boosted by the return of Hojlund in the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, providing more competition up front. The Dane missed the opening four Premier League games of the season with a hamstring injury.
The problem of goal output has been holding Man United back since last season. They conceded more goals than they scored last season. Going into the 2024-2025 campaign, their goals and losses are equal, all due to shortcomings in attack.
