Rio Ferdinand names major reason Manchester United should avoid £50m transfer

Rio Ferdinand has explained why he thinks Ivan Toney would be the wrong fit for Manchester United.

The Brentford striker has recently been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer after United's goal-scoring issues in 2023/24. Erik ten Hag's team finished with a negative goal difference (minus one) for the first time in 34 years after scoring 57 goals in the Premier League last season.

United have already been dealt a blow up front this summer after Rasmus Hojlund picked up an injury in pre-season which looks set to keep the Danish forward out of action for around six weeks. It means that new signing Joshua Zirkzee is the only fit, senior striker in Ten Hag's team.

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United's lack of options up front has led to reports claiming that the Reds will consider signing Toney before the summer transfer window closes at 11pm on August 30. There is a possibility the 28-year-old will leave Brentford after four seasons but there has been a lack of interest this summer, prompting the Bees to lower their asking price to less than £50million from £80m, according to the Daily Mail.

But Ferdinand has urged his former club to avoid signing the England international. He believes that his age and profile are why they should stay away.

“Personally I wouldn’t go for someone like Ivan Toney. I think the age, that profile is wrong for the club,” Ferdinand said in a video on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“I just don’t see it as a fit. I found it a bit strange. He was someone everyone was talking about could go to Arsenal or could go to Chelsea for £100m,