INEOS set to snub striker despite Ten Hag favoring star player
Erik ten Hag might not get his preferred transfer target this summer REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
Manchester United are unlikely to make a move for Ivan Toney this summer despite Erik ten Hag being a ‘big fan’ of the Brentford star.
Erik ten Hag has enjoyed plenty of backing in his first two summer transfer windows at Old Trafford, with United’s recruitment policy largely revolving around players the former Ajax man had previously managed or monitored closely.
However, under INEOS, that is not going to happen, as United’s new co-owners are keen to establish a football recruitment team that chases players that fit their expert vision rather than solely relying on Ten Hag’s connections and experience.
It seems that a change in approach has already started to surface at the club.
Manchester United to not make a move for Ivan Toney
According to Football Transfers, United are no longer actively looking to sign Ivan Toney, leaving West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur as front-runners in the race for the England international.
It is claimed the Red Devils are “exploring alternative options” as Ineos have concerns regarding the 28-year-old’s suitability for the club.
Despite Ten Hag admiring Toney, who has scored just four goals in 15 Premier League games this season, Ineos have reservations about whether the Brentford talisman is the “right sort of character” that would fit their ethos.
This may merely be the start of things to come for Ten Hag, who may not always get his preferred targets under the new leadership.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team are working to bring in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle to reshape their football structure. They’ve already roped in Jason Wilcox for the position of the club’s technical director.
Whether the Dutch coach would be happy with having limited say in United’s transfer activity moving forward remains unclear.