Joe Cole criticizes Man Utd for not recruiting Ivan Toney
In the 2024 summer transfer window, Man United expressed interest in Ivan Toney, however, this deal did not materialize.
Toney was then sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli on transfer deadline day for a fee of around £40 million.
Ivan Toney, 28, has proved his worth with 72 goals in 141 appearances for Brentford, including 20 in the Premier League in 2022/23. His Brentford career was interrupted in May 2023 when he was handed an eight-month ban for breaching 232 FA betting rules. Despite struggling to return to the pitch, Toney was called up to England’s Euro 2024 squad and played a key role in their run to the final.
Cole believes Manchester United missed a great opportunity to improve their attack by not signing Toney. "Manchester United have been too timid in the transfer window. I think Ivan Toney is a fantastic player and he's exactly what they need. His character is perfect for a top team," Cole said. "If I was given the job of manager, I would say Ivan Toney is the man and do everything I can to bring him here."
Manchester United have made a disappointing start to the 2024/25 season, with just two wins from their first seven Premier League games, leaving them 14th in the table. Despite the signings of Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, as well as the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro, their attack has failed to live up to expectations, with just five goals in seven games.
The decision not to sign Toney has made it difficult for United to improve their scoring performance, and current options like Zirkzee have not been able to bring the necessary breakthrough.