Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes Manchester United should consider reviving their interest in Ivan Toney.

The England international made the switch to Saudi Arabia in the summer but, speaking to Paddy Power, Cole said that Toney could be brought in if the Red Devils opt to replace Erik ten Hag:

“Manchester United got gun-shy in the transfer window. I think Ivan Toney is a cracking player, and he is exactly what Manchester United need. His personality can comfortably play for a top side. ”

“It’s smart from United to take stock and when you’ve got a manager at the helm who’s indifferent, you might really fancy another manager to come in and they might want another striker.”

“Then you’ve got to get another player out to get another one in so it’s smart business but if I was Manchester United and had the job tomorrow, I would’ve said “I need Ivan Toney” and I would’ve made it happen.”

United have already spent £108.5m on strikers

The Red Devils have shelled out £72m on Rasmus Hojlund and £36.5m on Joshua Zirkzee over the last two summer transfer windows, so you wonder whether there is room for someone like Toney in the squad.

However, it’s fair to say that Hojlund and Zirkzee do lack the experience and the ruthlessness in front of goal that the former Brentford player possesses.

Ten Hag’s side have been struggling to score goals

United have only scored 5 goals in their first 7 league games, which does suggest that there is an issue finding the back of the net.

It is not a problem isolated to this season either. The Manchester side were goal-shy last campaign too, ending 2023/24 with a goal difference of -1. You can’t compete for a top 4 spot, let alone a title, with that sort of record.

Adding another No.9 may need to be considered if their goalscoring problems persist. Whether Toney will be a target, though, it remains to be seen.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here