Ivan Toney faces a race against time after United shocker

Premier League club Manchester United appears to have dropped the gun on the rumored chase for Brentford’s star forward Ivan Toney.

Despite recent speculation linking the prolific striker to Old Trafford, football transfer expert Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that the Red Devils have shifted their focus. Instead, Erik ten Hag is doubling down on his trust in the newly signed Dutch forward, Joshua Zirkzee, and the highly-rated Rasmus Hojlund.

Zirkzee, who joined from Bologna this summer, wasted no time making an impact, scoring a match-winning goal against Fulham on his debut. Paired with Hojlund, United now boast a promising young attack that ten Hag is eager to develop rather than pursuing a big-name signing like Toney.

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This change in strategy suggests that Manchester United may be content with their youthful options, despite earlier reports hinting at their desire to add an experienced striker to the mix. Ivan Toney, who has been a consistent performer for Brentford and is in the final year of his contract, was seen as a potential solution.

However, with United now backing Zirkzee and Hojlund, it seems Toney’s Premier League future remains uncertain.

If Ivan Toney doesn’t secure a move away from Brentford this summer, he could face a challenging season. With his contract ticking down and the club likely reluctant to let him go for free, Toney might find himself in a tricky position. Staying at Brentford could mean either a last-minute contract extension, potentially delaying his ambitions of a step up, or a strained relationship with the club as they balance his playing time against their future planning.

Moreover, if Toney stays but fails to replicate his previous season’s form, his stock could drop, diminishing interest from top clubs next summer. Conversely, a strong showing could spark a bidding war in January or next summer, but the clock is ticking for Brentford and Toney to make their move. The outcome could set the tone for the striker’s career trajectory, with both the player and club standing at a crossroads.