Manager Thomas Tuchel could have handed United a huge transfer boon (Image: Getty Images)
Out of sight, out of mind. This is the ultimate rule of modern football, and no one knows it better than Ivan Toney. When the former Brentford talisman packed his bags for Al Ahly two years ago, he virtually disappeared from the collective consciousness of Premier League supporters. One minute he was one of England’s most popular strikers, the next he was a mere footnote in the Saudi gold rush.
But football has an amazing knack for making money on sixpence. And thanks to Thomas Tuchel, Toney is suddenly back on Manchester United’s radar. Tuchel’s decision to give Toney a shock recall ahead of the World Cup is exactly the kind of wild card move that makes the sport so incredibly unpredictable. For Tony, it represents the lifeblood of his career. For United, it could be the ultimate transfer gift wrapped in a Three Lions ribbon.
To be honest, United’s batting department still needs attention this summer. Yes, they brought in Benjamin Sesko, and yes, the Slovenian is performing well enough.
He showed glimpses of the high potential that convinced the club to hire him in the first place. But saying “okay” doesn’t get you back to the top.
At the moment, Sesco looks like a young striker who could greatly benefit from serious competition. Someone who will take him to greater heights and share the responsibility of scoring goals without completely derailing his progress as a long-term first-choice No.9.
United don’t need another £70m superstar to block Sesco’s path. Or worse yet, another Rasmus Hjølund stinks up the place like an exorbitantly expensive wheel of cheese that can’t be thrown away. What they need is an experienced and ruthless alternative. They need Ivan Toni.
Under normal circumstances, any suggestion that United sign a striker from the Saudi Professional League would provoke a devastating fan backlash. Old Trafford are understandably furious at the idea of signing players from a division whose defensive intensity could resemble a Sunday League hangover.
But this is precisely where Tuchel has benefited United immensely.
The World Cup is the ultimate narrative changer. If Toney remains in Saudi Arabia, a move to United would be a PR disaster. But if he scores a goal or two on North American soil this summer, that perception could change in an instant.
Ivan Toni has been scoring goals as a hobby since moving to Saudi Arabia. (Image: Getty Images)
Suddenly, he was no longer a Saudi Arabian outcast, but a super-sub for England. The backlash has faded, replaced by supporters calling for the club to cross the line and sign a contract.
Tuchel is essentially handing United the perfect shield against adverse fan reaction. They don’t have to worry because he absorbs the risk. And let’s not pretend that Tony forgot where the back of the net is.
He has scored 72 goals for fun in 93 games, just as he did at Brentford before his departure when England’s elite were seriously sniffing around.
He has a proven track record as a seasoned marksman in the Premier League, so this is definitely a summer transfer opportunity. Tony will likely be a very cost-effective and value-for-money acquisition.
He solved United’s short-term woes, providing immediate goals, physical presence and extra firepower up front, without causing any long-term problems.
He’s not going to get in the way of Sesco’s path to becoming a central player, and his transfer fee won’t prevent INEOS from venturing out and signing another world-class superstar in a year or two if given the chance.
This is a low-risk, high-reward deal that United have missed out on too often in recent years. They simply needed someone to fill the gap and sell the concept to their supporters.
Thomas Tuchel may have done just that. Regards, United.
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