Despite creating numerous glorious chances, Manchester United had to wait till the 87th minute to find the winner in their opening Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday.

Marcus Rashford has been wasteful in the opening games while Rasmus Hojlund’s injury means Erik ten Hag has had to employ a false-nine system with Bruno Fernandes and the Mancunian playing up top at times.

While new signing Joshua Zirkzee did score on his debut, Ten Hag will have learnt his lessons from last season, and will try and avoid over-playing the Netherlands international this term.

There have been reports that the Red Devils are still open to recruiting another forward with Ivan Toney‘s name frequently linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Another forward?

His club’s excessive asking price was something the 20-time English league champions refused to pay but remained in the hunt should the final price fall closer to deadline day.

Ahead of Brentford’s season opener against Crystal Palace, Thomas Frank dropped a bombshell by dropping the England international from the matchday squad.

“A lot of things are going on with Ivan, especially with transfers – there’s a lot of transfer interest. Because of all that, we’ve decided not to include him in the squad,” the Brentford manager told Sky Sports before kick-off.

The Englishman is currently in the final year of his contract with the Bees, and he wants massive wages from his future employers, something the London team cannot afford to pay.

Apart from United, plenty of Saudi Pro League clubs are in the race and are open to paying over the odds to land the 28-year-old.

Told again that Manchester United currently not considering to sign Ivan #Toney until Deadline Day!

No approach is planned yet. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee should play regularly. #MUFC

28 y/o striker from Brentford, one to watch in the next 13 days with many… pic.twitter.com/tWsO5g1z4K

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 18, 2024

Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg has claimed that INEOS will not be targeting the Brentford star as Ten Hag trusts Hojlund and Zirkzee to get the job done while he also has alternative plans in place.

Toney’s future

Saudi Arabia seems his most likely next destination should he depart the GTech Community Stadium this summer.

“Told again that Manchester United currently not considering to sign Ivan Toney until Deadline Day! No approach is planned yet. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee should play regularly,” the reporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“28 y/o striker from Brentford, one to watch in the next 13 days with many requests and a strong interest from Saudi Arabia. Coach Thomas Frank told Sky: “There’ is interest but nothing closed yet!””

Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson have also found mention as United targets but with a midfielder high on INEOS’ agenda, not much in terms of money might be left for another forward.

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