Why Manchester United Should Not Make The Mistake Of Signing Harry Kane

Manchester United seem increasingly linked with a summer move for Harry Kane. On paper, it makes sense.

The Red Devils have lacked an authoritative striker who can score goals, complementing Marcus Rashford, and Kane just happens to be one of the consistently high goal-scorers in England. However, if the side does reflect deeply, the deal appears to be one that they best stay away from.

 

1. Age

Kane turns 30 come July. While Cristiano Ronaldo was significantly older than this when United signed him not too long ago, the romance and commercial appeal of the Portuguese star is not echoed in the English striker who may arguably have his best playing days behind him.

Besides, a lot more money will be at stake as well as a sizable wage package, something United ought to have learnt from the Alexis Sanchez saga.

While several supporters of the deal are dubbing it to being akin to Robin van Persie’s excellent move, the age and form of Kane does muddle things quite a bit. 

 

2. Fee

What Ronaldo’s unceremonious exit did achieve for United was clean their wage bill a bit and ensure that smart transfer choices could be embarked upon. By breaking the bank for Kane, all that effort at fiscal responsibility may be in vain.

New owners or not, the Red Devils cannot afford to go the way of Chelsea in the transfer market and Kane’s price-tag may just push them towards that.

Further, with Daniel Levy at the helm at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it is almost a given that a fair price won’t be on the table.

 

3. Drawn-out Negotiations 

The higher-ups at Spurs have seemingly made it clear that the deal will not be an easy one and that all parties will be well upon the negotiation table even towards the middle of the summer.

If the Harry Maguire saga was any indication, United under Erik ten Hag cannot afford to be delayed and bullied in this manner. 

The club simply needs to have their team and tactics in place for the pre-season tours and then enter the next campaign as staunch competitors for the title. They cannot do that whilst still knocking together a striker deal. 

 

4. Other Options 

Victor Osimhen is increasingly being touted as a Kane alternative for Ten Hag and company and it is easy to see why.

The Nigerian striker is in exceptional form for Napoli and at 24 is a far more sensible choice keeping longevity in mind. Further, any deal involved, unless he leads the Serie A leaders to Champions League glory, is certain to be cheaper than the purported Kane deal.

As such, on all counts, he is the far more sensible option for the Old Trafford outfit.