Manchester United have suffered quite a worrying situation in their striker department after Rasmus Hojlund's hamstring injury is set to place him out of action for six weeks.
The Dane was forced off just a minute after opening the scoring against Arsenal on Sunday (July 28) in a crushing blow for Erik ten Hag just two weeks before the start of the Premier League season.
Alongside new signing Leny Yoro, the pair will miss the opening weeks of the season with the club opening their 2024/25 campaign at home against Fulham on Friday, August 16.
New signing Joshua Zirkzee is now the sole senior striker in the United squad with Hojlund out, once again leaving Ten Hag short in the striker department. The signing of Arsenal starlet Chido Obi-Martin could see the teenage sensation provide cover up top but it's certainly not an ideal situation for the Red Devils.
Manchester Evening News explores two things that would solve the Dutchman's striker problem and the way a purchase could be made possible through player sales.
Signing Ivan Toney
With just a year left on Ivan Toney's contract, Brentford may look to cash in on the striker but with a lack of suitors he could be available for around just £40million.
The striker would be an ideal replacement for the injured Hojlund and is now being considered by Ten Hag to give United some much-needed relief at the number nine position, according to The Telegraph.
Tottenham have also been heavily linked with him but the biggest stumbling block to United should they pursue a move is the fact that their new frontman Igor Thiago has also picked up an injury and subsequently may put Brentford off selling Toney.
Despite a challenging season this past campaign upon his return from his gambling suspension, the 28-year-old proved pivotal in England's run to the Euro 2024 final, assisting Harry Kane's goal in the Three Lions' 2-1 win over Slovakia in the round of 16. He also has Premier League experience unlike Zikrzee and has regularly proven to be a dangerous scoring threat.
Scott McTominay sale
Despite Scott McTominay coming off a career-best year in terms of goal-scoring, having scored 10 goals in all competitions this past season, United are set to accept offers in the range of £25m to £30m for the Scotland international, who was subject to a bid of £23m from Fulham.
It was their third offer for him but United are expected to turn it down. If McTominay can garner the £30m fee United are after, it could fund the move to sign Toney to fill the striker void as Hojlund recovers.
However, club sources have stressed that he remains an important squad player. Should United wish to sell, now would be the best time given McTominay is out of contract next year - and though the club have an option to trigger an additional year, his resale value is unlikely to be as high as it is now.