Ivan Toney, one of the many strikers reportedly on Manchester United’s summer wishlist, has barely missed an opportunity to tell anyone who will listen just how keen he is to leave Brentford.
Preferably, in the nearest of near futures.
“You can never predict when is the right time to move elsewhere. But I think it’s obvious I want to play for a top club,” the England international told Sky Sports back in January, perking up the ears of not only Manchester United but many of the Premier League’s big hitters.
“Everybody wants to play for a top club, that is fighting for titles.”
Ivan Toney, despite winding down his contract and confirming his desire for a fresh challenge seemingly every time a microphone enters his postcode, retains the admiration of a pretty forgiving Brentford fanbase.
But, still, there may be some of a Bees persuasion who may wish that the talismanic striker would take a leaf out of his manager’s playbook. Thomas Frank, on the same day that reports emerged via The Telegraph suggesting that he is a leading candidate to replace the under-fire Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, opted not to pour petrol on the speculation – like his striker tends to do – but instead dampened it with a bucket of cold water.
Thomas Frank reacts to Manchester United links
“I am really happy where I am,” Frank tells Bold, having taken Brentford to the top-flight before then establishing them there during his six years in the hotseat.
“It is close to being the perfect club to be in. I can see myself being here for many more years.”
Frank, it seems, is taking the ‘better the devil you know’ approach. While the arrival of Ineos looks all-but certain to bring about a brighter future at Old Trafford – any new manager will have the backing of a sporting structure the Man United fans could only dream of before the Glazers opened themselves up to investment offers – Frank knows what he’s got at Brentford.
“I am close to the owner, to the sports director. (I have a good relationship with) everyone around the club,” adds the 50-year-old Dane, who delivered a 4-0 thrashing of United on Ten Hag’s second game in the dugout back in 2022.
“Brentford is a club where I really feel at home. “Immediately, I think (the links with Man United are) flattering and a recognition in relation to what I do. And I am glad that others are noticing the work we are doing in Brentford.
“Having said that, what goes on in Brentford is not a one-man show.”
Erik ten Hag future still uncertain
When pressed further on those Liverpool links, Frank again played them down. Man United’s north west neighbours appear to have settled on Jurgen Klopp’s successor anyway, with Arne Slot’s arrival at Anfield seemingly only days away from being confirmed at last.
Ineos, meanwhile, are yet to communicate their decision on Ten Hag’s future, with any announcement likely to take place after the FA Cup final re-match with Man City on May 25th.
Ruben Amorim, a two-time Primeira Liga winner with Sporting Lisbon, removed his name from the frame last week too. Simone Inzaghi also seems keen to stay at Inter Milan.
Manchester United face Newcastle on Wednesday at Old Trafford.
