Man Utd target “mental monster” who could eventually fire Hojlund

In the 2024 summer transfer window, Manchester United have had something of a changing of the guard in the forward department. In many ways, this revolution began last summer, with the signing of Rasmus Hojlund. Dane, 21, joined the club from Atalanta for £72m.

The long-term number nine, Anthony Martial, saw his contract expire at the end of June. He was a great worker for the Red Devils, scoring 90 goals and registering 47 assists in 317 games for the club. However, given his injury record and the fact that his contract expired at the end of last campaign, it seemed like a good time to part ways.

United have offloaded Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna to replace the Frenchman, for £36.54m. The 23-year-old scored 12 goals in Serie A last season en route to winning Italy's young player of the year award. He was signed as a replacement for Martial.

However, the Red Devils may not be done in the market for strikers yet. After last season's injury problems meant the likes of Marcus Rashfiord had to fill in up front, they could sign another striker to avoid another deal like that.

Man United are targeting a Premier League striker

The player in question here is Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney. The 28-year-old has long signed his contract at the G-Tech Community Stadium and could leave the club before the transfer deadline in just two weeks.

According to a report by The Telegraph, the Red Devils are one of the clubs who 'may test' the Bees' decision on their star striker this summer. It is thought that Erik ten Hag's side could be looking for a 'cheapest deal' in what could be a move for the England international this summer.

As for how that deal will be structured, the report suggests that United could enter a 'loan with purchase obligations' once the temporary deal expires next summer. That's a structure that suits the Old Trafford club, who have a 'reluctance to be big' for a striker of Toney's age.

They may face competition for his signature, however. The report suggests that three London clubs are also interested. Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are two sides showing an interest in Toney, while west London rivals Chelsea are also vying for his signature.

How signing Toney could benefit Hojlund

If United can bring Toney to the club this summer, he would be a huge asset for Hojlund, who has impressed in his first season despite injury problems and a long wait for his first Premier League goal.

The 21-year-old has scored 16 goals in 43 games in all competitions, including ten goals in 30 games in the top flight and five goals in six Champions League games.

The Dane can certainly learn from Toney, who is an experienced striker with an excellent record in the Premier League. The Englishman has 36 goals and 11 assists in 85 games in the top flight.

He is an expert in the penalty box, with elite movement. This is something football analyst Devils DNA praises for United's young Dane, too, explaining that he thrives when United “uses his movement” to act as a “box hunter”.

Although this is a skill he already has in his locker, playing with a specialist in penalty box movement like Toney will improve Hojluind's ability in such areas and make him even more dangerous.

Not only could the 21-year-old improve his boxing moves, but Hojlund could have Toney act as something of a mentor. Football commentator Ben Mattinson described the Brentford man as a “mental monster”, which he can certainly apply to the former Atalanta man. Top strikers are eager to score goals, and this is a habit Hojlund can further improve by learning from the Bees striker.

Signing Toney this summer would not only add depth, goals and quality movement to United's squad but could help improve Hojlund's game, both physically and mentally. The 28-year-old wants to leave London this summer, and the Red Devils of Manchester could be the ideal destination for all parties.