Manchester United were on the lookout for a new center forward during the summer transfer window and the Red Devils were linked with various names.
Topping the list of players who were linked with Red Devils was former Brentford striker Ivan Toney. The England international was seeking a new challenge and United provides a perfect opportunity for him to play at the highest level.
While United eventually signed Joshua Zirkzee, who arrived in a £36million deal from Bologna, reasons why Erik ten Hag opted not to sign Toney has emerged.
Ivan Tony of Al Ahli looks on during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr FC v Al-Ahli Saudi FC (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
According to reports from ESPN, Toney simply didn’t fit the profile for striker that Ten Hag was looking for due to the fact that, in the eyes of the United boss, he does not press defenders energetically enough.
Erik ten Hag prefers a striker who will apply pressure on defenders and that he believes Toney does not have the ability to do.
Toney was linked with numerous top Premier League clubs before the summer, including Arsenal and Chelsea. He eventually secured a deadline day move to Saudi Arabia club Al-Ahli.
The former Brentford forward put pen to paper in the Middle East. The deal would see him bank a staggering £403,000-a-week including bonuses after moving for a substantial £40million transfer fee.
