Mikael Silvestre warns Erik ten Hag signing Ivan Toney could block Højlund’s development

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre.

They discussed United’s top four hopes, Højlund’s adaptation to the Premier League, Ivan Toney rumours, the futures of Johnny Evans and Raphael Varane and the form of Diogo Dalot. 

In this article:

• Villa win important for top four hopes 

• Højlund need time to adapt to the Premier League

• Signing Toney could block Højlund’s development

• Varane is a player United can still build around 

• Dalot’s improvement defensively has kept him in the starting line up

• Safer Gambling

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Villa win important for top four hopes 

Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa helped to close the gap on Villa to five points and galvanised their bid for a top four finish. Silvestre claims it was an important win for United in the race for Champions League football and they can build on it this weekend when they face West Ham.” 

“It was an important win as they closed the gap and Villa were close in the table. They’re closing the gap and if United want to finish in the top four they’ll need to overcome Villa.” 

“The game doesn’t reflect Villa’s form because they’re better than what they showed against United.” 

“The advantage for Aston Villa is they don’t play Champions League football so they have time to prepare.” 

“United are in the same position so they just have to focus on closing the big gap between them and Aston Villa.” 

Højlund needed time to adapt to the Premier League

Rasmus Højlund has now scored five goals in five league games after a slow start to the season for the £72m striker who initially struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League. Despite a huge amount of pressure on him being the only fit striker at the club, Sivlestre has been impressed with the adaptation he’s shown in recent weeks.

“He’s taken time but he came in injured and needed time to adapt so it’s no surprise he’s starting to find the scoresheet.” 

“If he gets the service he will score goals and he’s young so he needs time.” 

“United don’t have other options right now with Martial injured and out of the picture.” 

“There’s a lot of pressure on him to deliver but he’s doing it and we just need to be patient with him.”

What has changed for Højlund now that he’s scoring for fun? Seemingly a rise in his confidence whilst getting used to his teammates, their habits and their tendencies. 

“It takes time to get used to a new environment and team mates.” 

‘To get used to their tendencies and the way they play. The link up doesn’t happen overnight.” 

“His confidence is better and he needed to build on his fitness.” 

“He does a lot of work defensively and presses a lot which is very demanding but he’s finding the rhythm and has a better understanding with his team mates.” 

Signing Toney could block Højlund’s development

Ivan Toney is reportedly on United’s radar. Toney continues to be linked with a move away from Brentford following his return from suspension with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea all said to also be interested. Interestingly, Silvestre is wary of United moving in for Toney and potentially blocking the development of Højlund. 

“Ivan Toney? I don’t know. I think Hojlund needs space to develop so you have to be careful with who you bring into the squad.” 

“United only play with one number nine so I don’t think Toney is a good option for United.” 

Varane is a player United can still build around 

The futures of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both hang in the balance right now, with Evans particularly having been a mainstay under ten Hag in an injury hit season for United. Varane has reportedly hit a standstill with the club as he seeks to at least earn as much as he does with his current contract. According to the former French defender Varane still has a lot to offer United despite his age. 

“Yeah I think we are in Feb, we have to wait until the end of the season (to make a decision on Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans’ contracts).”

“For Varane, clearly he’s still someone you can build around next season. He’s someone who can be your starter next season for sure. 100 percent. So you should look at extending his contract probably now and not wait any longer because if you look at options to replace him in the market, for the price you’re going to pay, you won’t get that much quality. You’re going to pay a super high price but you’re not sure if it will be the same quality.”

Meanwhile, Evans has surprisingly featured prominently for the Reds this season having signed a short term deal with the club in the summer. Should United look to cut their loses in the summer? 

“For Jonny Evans you can wait a bit longer and see how the season develops. Having a character like him in the dressing room, someone who’s an academy product and has the values. He could be a very good backup for next season.”

“Two different profiles but I wouldn’t write them off for next season.”

Dalot’s improvement defensively has kept him in the starting line up

Diogo Dalot has been one of the interesting developments of the season as he makes the right back spot his own during this more promising period of the season. The Portuguese international has shown an improvement at both ends of the pitch. 

“His performance against Villa was probably one of his best this season. The question mark for him was always on the defensive end – decision making and positioning. He’s improved, definitely. That’s why he’s keeping his place in the side and the XI.”

“Important in the league to have a strong back four. We know offensively he can deliver good passes and make an impact going forward. The team needs that.”

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