**Rio Ferdinand Advises Manchester United Against Signing Ivan Toney**
Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has cautioned his old club against pursuing a deal for Brentford striker Ivan Toney. The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but Ferdinand believes his profile doesn’t fit the direction of United’s transfer policy.
Toney has been the subject of interest from several top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, and Chelsea, with Brentford placing a £60million valuation on him. United are in need of another striker to bolster their attacking options, but Ferdinand is skeptical about Toney’s suitability for the Red Devils.
Ferdinand, who made over 400 appearances for United, expressed his reservations about Toney’s age and profile, stating that it doesn’t align with the club’s transfer strategy under new ownership. He also questioned why there haven’t been more bidders for the striker, given his impressive goal-scoring record in the Championship and Premier League.
United boss Erik ten Hag has been backed with four new signings in the transfer window, but Ferdinand thinks the club should look elsewhere for a striker. Toney, who has scored 72 goals in 141 games for Brentford, has returned to London for pre-season training ahead of the new season.
Arsenal were initially interested in Toney but were reportedly put off by Brentford’s £100m valuation. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has since turned his attention to other targets, leaving United and Chelsea as potential suitors for the striker.
Ferdinand’s comments will likely spark debate among United fans, who are eagerly awaiting a new striker to bolster their team’s attacking options. With the transfer window still open, it remains to be seen whether United will pursue a deal for Toney or look elsewhere for a suitable striker.