Man United Eyeing January Move for Ivan Toney as Ronaldo Alternative

According to the latest reports, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Brentford striker Ivan Toney as a transfer target for the upcoming January window. The Red Devils are eyeing up a move for the 26-year-old to replace disgruntled striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

After a failed bid to leave Old Trafford in the summer, Ronaldo has largely been relegated to a bit-part role by new manager Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese forward has had just 961 minutes this season, with 3 goals and 2 assists against his name (stats via Transfermarkt).

Tensions flared between the player and the manager during the game against Tottenham Hotspur. Manchester United’s best performance of the season was marred by the 37-year-old refusing to come on as a late substitute. Ronaldo walked out of the field and left the stadium, drawing mixed reactions from across the footballing world.

Footage of Cristiano Ronaldo refusing to come on against Tottenham https://t.co/CQHTzY5vxV

— The Premier League Club (@TPLCSports) October 27, 2022

Erik ten Hag reacted swiftly, banishing Ronaldo from the squad that played Chelsea. The former Real Madrid forward issued a message that could be interpreted as an apology for his actions, but it seems that his relationship with the club is extremely strained at the moment.

The Portuguese striker will become a free agent next summer, and it seems clear that he will not extend his stay at the club. Reports suggest that the Portugal captain could be heading out of Old Trafford as early as the January transfer window.

Manchester United Considering A Move For Ivan Toney

According to Calciomercato (via The Sun), Manchester United are lining up a January move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney as a potential target to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. The Red Devils were linked with the forward in the summer, but a move never materialised.

The Englishman caught the eye of several top clubs with a stunning haul of 31 goals and 10 assists in the Championship in the 2020-21 season (stats via Transfermarkt). The 26-year-old also managed 12 goals and 5 assists in his first season of Premier League football in the 2021-22 campaign. This season, the English forward already has 8 goals and 2 assists from just 13 Premier League games.

Manchester United linked with January move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves

— utdreport (@utdreport) October 14, 2022

Ivan Toney is on contract with Brentford until 2025. The Bees are hopeful of retaining their star striker by offering a new £100k-a-week deal. Nevertheless, the Red Devils can easily offer the striker higher wages should they choose to pursue the transfer.

Moreover, journalist Pete O’ Rourke has claimed that the Manchester club shouldn’t have any problem in tempting him to move to Old Trafford and the Brentford striker would also be keen to make the switch. Talking to Give Me Sport, Pete said:

“Ivan Toney, he’s worked wonders to get that call-up to the England squad.

“He’s been instrumental for Brentford since they came up to the Premier League last season, and the chance to move to a massive club like Manchester United, I’m sure, would turn his head. That’s pretty obvious, I think, for any player.”

However, Erik ten Hag’s side will have competition in the race for the 26-year-old. Newcastle United, West Ham United and Leeds United are also said to be monitoring the striker’s situation and are reportedly interested in securing his signature.

What are your thoughts on the Cristiano Ronaldo situation? Would you like to see Ivan Toney as the new Manchester United striker? Let us know in the comments.

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