Manchester United has to think about a potentially explosive viral video.
Link Between Brentford’s Highest Goal Soccer Team And Manchester United
Man United is looking to add a center forward, and Brentford is willing to let go of Ivan Toney for the appropriate amount.
Ivan Toney has been linked to Manchester United, who are looking to add a striker this summer.
Toney is a gifted attacker who has a track record of scoring goals in the Premier League. He also appears ready for a move to a larger club, but there is one unavoidable gray area.
The 28-year-old doesn’t appear to possess the moral fiber needed to go to Old Trafford. He has the necessary self-assurance and skill, but following an incident in Dubai in January 2022, some question if he’d be a decent addition to the dressing room.
While on vacation over the Christmas break, Toney posted a little video on Instagram saying “f*** Brentford” to a woman’s story. The video quickly gained popularity on social media.
Toney apologized in a statement following the video’s thousands of views. He stated, “I am aware of a video that was posted on social media.” “I used offensive words in it. Although the film was trimmed and shortened, I must acknowledge the impact that this has made.
“I understand that I shouldn’t have placed myself in that predicament. I want to apologize to all Brentford supporters in addition to the gaffer, to whom I have explained what happened and expressed my regret.
“I must express how much I enjoy playing for the club and for you, and I appreciate the way you all support the squad. Next week, I’ll be back in the gym working hard to increase our goal total and win as many games as possible for the remainder of the season.
In two words, Toney belittled Brentford and the fans of the team. Although he apologized and accepted responsibility for his conduct, it raised doubts about his integrity.
Toney has failed in a crucial area, and United doesn’t need off-field problems. Granted that everyone makes errors and that a mistake doesn’t define someone forever, but when a football club pays a multi-million-pound cost to get a player, they want all the boxes to be checked.
After Toney’s viral video sparked an inquiry by Brentford, the issue was promptly resolved. Toney’s goal in the first game following the winter break and his 14 goals in all competitions at the end of the 2021–2022 season helped him mend fences with Brentford supporters.
Toney had the finest season of his career the next season, scoring 20 goals in the Premier League to solidify his place among the top scorers in the league.
Toney’s foul-mouthed rant was forgiven by Brentford supporters, and his goals undoubtedly helped. It didn’t take long for that friendship to mend, and he is now the Bees’ all-time leading goalscorer.
Throughout his tenure as Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank has shown Toney nothing but encouragement, and Gareth Southgate included the attacker in his England team for the 2024 European Championship. There’s no way Southgate could have any qualms about the character of someone he wouldn’t pick in his team.
In the past two years, Toney may have grown up, and something like the ‘f*** Brentford’ event may never happen again, but at £50 million, that chance might not be worth it.
Toney would be a fantastic signing on paper, but United needs another striker to complement Rasmus Hojlund already. Although his goal scoring record in the Premier League implies he’s a sure thing, and he would provide offensive presence, an evaluation of his character may raise some red flags.
Ajax’s Erik ten Hag was appointed in 2022 due to his strict discipline. He was hired to United in order to raise standards, and while he has been in charge, he has had to deal with dubious behavior from Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Although Toney’s error may be far in the past, it still has to be taken into consideration when negotiating a move for Ten Hag. Ten Hag doesn’t need any additional off-field distractions to deal with.
Signing Toney might be a gamble, but it might also be worthwhile. Although he is aware of where the net is, United would have to determine whether or not to trust his actions.
The values of Manchester United should be embodied by its players.
