Clear Decision from Manchester United After Long-Term Injury to Čech: No Natural Striker to Solve Crisis - Thairath English

Clear: Manchester United has made a decision after Cheško suffered a long-term injury, leaving them without a natural striker to resolve the crisis.

On 1 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Caught Offside, a renowned football media outlet, reported that Manchester United, currently 17th in the English Premier League, is considering signing English international striker Ivan Toney in the upcoming January transfer window.

Sources indicate that Manchester United turned their attention to Ivan Toney because securing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the aerial threat striker, seems unlikely. Although there were genuine inquiries before, interest has waned after learning the player is negotiating a contract extension with Leeds United.

Nonetheless, Manchester United remains seriously interested in Ivan Toney, now playing for Al Ahli. They have inquired about his situation amid ongoing rumors that the former Brentford striker may return to the Premier League.

Although Ivan Toney is content with life in the Saudi Pro League, where he performs well and retains his place in the England national team—being named in the squad for the 2026 World Cup—multiple sources confirm he is open to a move back to the Premier League.

If the right opportunity arises, Manchester United considers Ivan Toney one of the candidates. However, he is reportedly only one of several options the club is internally evaluating.

Manchester United urgently needs a striker to replace Benjamin Čeh, the Slovenian forward sidelined with an ankle injury expected to keep him out until at least January. However, they may face competition for Ivan Toney from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Everton, who are also interested.