Man United: Ten Hag could unblock Antony by signing £50m goal machine

Man United: Ten Hag could unblock Antony by signing £50m goal machine

Manchester United haven’t exactly had the best start to the 2023/24 Premier League season. A lackluster 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers was followed by a dismal 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Erik ten Hag has only made three signings so far in Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount, but judging by their offensive efforts in the first two games, more firepower is needed.

The club look set to make a move for Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, but could an Englishman be on Ten Hag’s radar?

Will Manchester United sign anyone else? According to FootballTransfers, the Old Trafford side are interested in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

 

However, the player will not be allowed to play until January as he has been found guilty by the FA of numerous violations of gambling law. This would give Ten Hag time to raise the necessary funds to lure him northwest.

The Bees have set a price tag of £50m for their precious fortune and the Dutchman may need to sign a player or two before making a concrete offer.

What happens to Ivan Toney now? His eight-month ban will last until January, meaning he won’t be able to play a single game for Brentford during that time. While United need firepower now, it seems they are willing to wait for Toney and Ten Hag is hoping for better performances from players like Antony.

The Brazilian arrived from Ajax last summer for a fee of around £86m but has so far failed to show his true capabilities for United.

He registered eleven goals – eight goals and three assists – but this was far short of the twelve goals and ten assists he registered with the Dutch side the previous season.

The winger was one of the team’s top five thanks to league assists (two) and big chances created (two). With a fresh start this season, the pressure will be on for the Red Devils to succeed.

Toney’s signing could certainly help Antony return to his full potential, with the £20,000-a-week jewel able to suit his fellow strikers perfectly and in the previous three seasons for his club, the 27-year-old has recorded 21 assists

 

 

The former Peterborough United striker created a staggering 12 big chances last season, averaging 0.8 key passes, further proving that he doesn’t just score goals when he’s ahead. His tally of 20 league goals was behind only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, while Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher praised him saying he was “one of the best attacking players in the league” and “reminiscent of Harry Kane”, which is certainly high. high praise indeed when you consider how well the Bayern Munich star did in England.

Toney may not solve all of United’s problems when he moves to Manchester in January, but releasing him in the starting eleven alongside Antony could see Ten Hag create a deadly attacking setup.

The Brazilian needs players to join him and judging by Toney’s recent stats, he could be the perfect player to take charge of the club and unblock the Brazilian in the process.