1
Amad Diallo scored a late hat-trick at Old Trafford on Thursday as Manchester United avoided shame against league-bottom Southampton and Saints made the Red Devils look decidedly average throughout the game.
Rasmus Hojlund was barely noticeable up front, failing to hold the ball under pressure and constantly giving possession back to the visitors.
The Dane has not scored for over a month now and is expected to get a rare start against Brighton on Sunday following Joshua Zirkzy’s impressive cameo.
But the former Bologna ace has only scored four goals this season and looks better at connecting play than finishing off chances.
Manchester United need a ruthless finisher
With Marcus Rashford also preparing to leave, Ruben Amorim is calling for a ruthless finish to help the club get out of their current predicament.
The Portuguese knows help will be next to impossible in January and will likely have to wait until the summer to secure the finisher he wants.
Viktor Gyokeres appears to be a realistic target for next summer, but journalist Ben Jacobs (via TBR soccer) added an interesting name to the mix: Ivan Toney.
The England international was a long-term target at Old Trafford when Erik ten Hag took charge, but the former Brentford striker has been linked with former Liverpool striker Roberto O’Reilly and has decided to leave the Premier League for the riches of the Saudi Professional League. Firmino of Al Ahly.
Toney had a difficult time in Saudi.
But despite the difference in level between the two leagues, the 28-year-old hasn’t had it easy there, scoring just four league goals in 12 games.
However, his record in cup competitions was much better, with four goals in six AFC Champions League elite matches and one goal in the King’s Cup.
The England international may not remain in Saudi Arabia for too long, with a summer move likely, or a January 2026 move, according to Jacobs.
“I’d like to keep an eye on Ivan Toney in my back pocket, if you will. Because we know Manchester United have looked back.
“There is nothing yet to suggest that Toney’s chapter in Saudi Arabia is over and we do not want to fuel the belief that Manchester United are still active.
Is the Toney trade coming back?
“But I’ve heard from a number of sources in the summer or January 2026 that the Toney situation will be something to watch.”
Toney decided to ignore United due to the wages offered in Saudi and the lack of forward pressure, which Ten Hag flagged as a concern.
His current form seems to suggest that Toney may not be a game-changer for Amorim, but could work as a back-up option. Al-Ahli will likely demand the £40 million they paid the Bees to let him go, and INEOS would be better off spending that money on other targets.
This report must be taken with a grain of salt in view of what the British have been like since leaving these shores.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
