England star Ivan Toney hits back at Bruno Fernandes with blunt reply after Man Utd star’s Saudi transfer snub
IVAN TONEY has told Bruno Fernandes: You’re wrong about the Saudi Pro League.
Manchester United captain Fernandes rejected a mega-money move to Al-Hilal, claiming he wanted to carry on playing at the highest level.
But former Brentford striker, who won the Asian Champions League with Saudi side Al-Ahli in his debut season, said: “That’s his decision. He maybe thinks it’s different to me.
“He obviously hasn’t seen the league. The standard is high. I always say this, people always judge it on not seeing it, you know?
“And you have to see it first hand to have your own opinion.
“If people went there and went to some games, they’d soon realise.
“I know it’s a good standard. You would never knock it once you’ve been there. It is tough.”
But Toney has backed former Brentford team-mate and United target Bryan Mbeumo to be a success at Old Trafford – or at any big club that signed him this summer.
Toney told talkSPORT: “He scores goals, he knows where to put the ball for other players, he’s got a similar penalty technique.
“He is a top top player, and he deserves to play for top top clubs.”
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England boss Thomas Tuchel decided Toney’s first season in Saudi Arabia was worthy of a recall to the Three Lions’ squad.
The former Bees star scored 23 league goals for Al-Ahli, two behind the SPL’s leading marksman, Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr.
Toney is confident that if he keeps producing the goods, he can book himself a place on the plane to next summer’s World Cup.
Toney, 29, said: “it’s disappointing not to beat Ronaldo, but hopefully next season.
I always think positive. Because if you think negative, then the negative things are going to happen.
“if you’re playing well, if you’re scoring, there’s only one decision. The manager’s seen that hence why he’s brought me back.
“I’m a player that plays in Saudi. If that’s a problem to people, then so be it, but I’m a Saudi player now and I just have to focus on playing football.”