Revealed: Man Utd's surprising list of Toney alternatives

Cameron Smith

Updated: 3 Nov 2023 21:55 GMT
3 min read

Ivan Toney Brentford 2022-23 — © ProShots

Manchester United have reportedly identified four strikers to sign in January as they look to rectify a poor start to the new campaign.

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The Old Trafford side are currently eighth in the Premier League table and were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in midweek after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Newcastle United.

The Daily Mail have reported that Erik ten Hag’s side want to sign a support striker to ease the pressure on summer signing Rasmus Hojlund, who is still yet to score his first Premier League goal.

The Denmark international has bagged three goals in the Champions League, but he has not found the back of the net in Premier League action thus far.

As a result, Man Utd are looking to sign a new striker in January, but Ivan Toney will not be that man.

The English forward netted 20 Premier League goals last season, but is currently serving a footballing ban after pleading guilty to over 200 betting breaches. He will be able to return to action in January, which has sparked intense transfer rumours.

However, according to TEAMTalk’s Dean Jones, the Red Devils are “likely” to pull out of the race to sign Toney, leaving Arsenal and Chelsea to battle it out for the Brentford man.

Instead, Man Utd have identified four separate targets to become a back-up option to Hojlund.

© ProShots - Rasmus Hojlund joined Man Utd for €75m this summer

Who do Man Utd want to sign?

As per TEAMTalk, there are four names on Man Utd’s shortlist: Mehdi Taremi, Wissam Ben Yedder, Gabriel Barbosa and Marcos Leonardo.

Taremi is reportedly a long-term Man Utd target and may be available for cheap given his Porto contract is due to expire next June. But, the Red Devils could face Saudi pro League competition for his signature.

Ben Yedder has recently been added to their transfer shortlist, but he is Monaco’s captain and a deal could therefore be tricky to agree.

Barbosa is said to be eyeing a return to Europe in 2024, but could be tempted by Saudi Arabia, while Leonardo is also being watched by Newcastle and FootballTransfers understand he is set to leave Santos next year.