Erik ten Hag's dream Man United transfer masterplan taking shape as Ivan Toney decision explained

Manchester United recruited five players this summer, one of which was Joshua Zirkzee.

After scoring on debut, the striker has played a further five games due to the injury to Rasmus Hojlund. Zirkzee has been brought in to be an upgrade on former back-up Anthony Martial, who was plagued with injury trouble.

Many feel that the 23-year-old has shown promising quality so far, despite being unable to find the net for a second time up to this point. There had been tentative links with Ivan Toney following Zirkzee’s arrival this summer.

Such a pursuit always seemed unlikely given the £36million forked out for Zirkzee and the £40m fee Toney eventually went for in his move to Al-Ahli. It has been mooted that United had looked at the England striker earlier in the window but decided against a move.

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A report from ESPN claims United decided against making a move for Toney due to his playing style. It was felt he was too slow to press with Erik ten Hag keen to implement a more aggressive ball retention policy this season.

The former Brentford striker had been on the club’s shortlist before attention turned to Zirkzee. The Netherlands international has featured in all of United’s matches since the start of the regular season.

MEN Sport says: A move for Toney made little sense but perhaps is one that the previous regime might have gone for. At 28, the striker would have been a diversion from the club’s buy-young stance, as seen with Zirkzee. If accurate, then the report should come as encouragement that the board and head coach are now working in tandem.

Speaking to