Manchester United dealt potential transfer blow as Premier League signing suffers injury setback

Manchester United have been dealt a potential blow in their summer pursuit of Ivan Toney, following Ivor Thiago’s pre-season injury. The Bees’ new £30m signing from Club Brugge damaged his meniscus in their pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon on Thursday.

He could now be poised for a spell on the sidelines which is a blow for Thomas Frank’s side. It is also a setback for Toney’s potential suitors this summer - which includes United.

The Red Devils are admirers of the England international and, while a move doesn’t look likely at this stage, it has not been ruled out this window. They aren’t the only side to be credited with an interest in him though, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also reported as potential suitors.

Speaking about Thiago’s arrival earlier this summer, Frank said: “Maybe we are selling a player but we are prepared for that," he said. "It’s no secret that there’s lots of rumours about Ivan. If he is leaving us, and I’d still like to keep him as he’s a top player, this time we are prepared and brought in Igor Thiago."

Toney responded to those comments by saying during a Euro 2024 press conference: "I didn’t hear him say that. I can’t predict the future and if I could I wouldn’t be sat here in front of you guys.

“What will be will be and my main focus is playing well and doing well for my country. I’ve been through it before. There’s been lots of talk of me going here, there and everywhere before in my career and I just don’t let outside noise get to me. I’m here with England now and the main focus is doing well for England and whatever happens, happens. I can’t control it.

"From 18 when I was supposed to go to Wolves and I was all excited and getting involved in all of it, then it didn’t happen. It hurt me. Since then, I thought: 'Why am I trying to take control of things when I don’t need that pressure?'. I just let people who take care of those things do it and I focus on the pitch."

Toney rose up through the academy ranks at Northampton Town and was a regular for the Cobblers at various different youth levels. He went on to make 60 appearances for their first-team and scored 13 goals before Newcastle United lured him away from Sixfields.

He spent three years on the books of the North-East outfit and was loaned out to Shrewsbury Town, Barnsley, Scunthorpe United and Wigan Athletic during his time there to get some experience under his belt. The Toon Army then cut ties with him on a permanent basis in 2018 when Peterborough United came calling.

The Northampton-born striker was prolific during his two years with the Posh and subsequently landed a switch to Brentford, where he carried on his form in front of goal. He helped the London club win promotion from the Championship in his first year.