“He won’t help…” – Man Utd legend tells INEOS to ignore “bargain” £40m signing

Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe has told his former club to ignore one transfer target this summer and focus on another area of the pitch to strengthen.

The Reds have had difficulties this season, particularly in their defensive unit. Erik ten Hag’s side are currently sixth in the Premier League table and unlikely to move anywhere closer to the top four.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have begun their turnaround at Old Trafford, with Omar Berddada coming in as the new CEO. Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox are also set to join the project in important roles.

Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, major plans will be made to overhaul the playing squad and make changes at the club.

Ivan Toney is one of the players who has been linked to United, among other Premier League clubs, ahead of his likely Brentford exit at the end of the season.

The striker position is one of importance for INEOS in the market, considering Rasmus Højlund will be the only recognised centre-forward once Anthony Martial departs the club.

However, even with Toney’s recent price tag reportedly being set at a bargain price between £30-40 million, Sharpe is unsure whether it is a worthwhile move if the defensive issues are not focused on first at Old Trafford.

“When you consider that Man United have almost allowed more shots on their own goal this season than any team in the Premier League, I don’t think Ivan Toney is going to help,” Sharpe told Tribal Football.

“(Toney) might come in and score a hat-trick every week. But, if United are giving the chances away like they are, they could let in three or four themselves.

“I think both ends of the team need to be looked at.”