Can Man Utd afford not to sign record-breaking Kane?

From the moment that Manchester United agreed to release Cristiano Ronaldo as a free agent in November 2022, the Red Devils knew that they were leaving themselves short of options in the central striking department.

Anthony Martial may occupy the No.9 jersey at Old Trafford, but form and fitness over a prolonged period of time are once again proving elusive for the France international. Those issues contributed to Wout Weghorst being taken on loan in the January transfer window, but the Dutchman was never going to be more than a quick fix.

Burden

MARCUS RASHFORD DELIVERS AGAIN 👉😤 pic.twitter.com/y7VFfKea1X

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 12, 2023

Marcus Rashford has been carrying the burden of goalscoring responsibility at the Theatre of Dreams, with the England frontman past 20 for the season, but he has always been more at home on the flanks than down the middle. It is perhaps that lack of a fabled ‘fox in the box’ that is keeping United no shorter than 11/1 in Premier League betting odds for the title race. If they had another Ronaldo-esque figure to lead the line, then maybe a first domestic crown since 2013 would be falling within reach.

The Red Devils have, however, been in a state of constant rebuilding for several years now, with that project still requiring some major construction work before it can be considered complete. The summer of 2023 will present more opportunities in which to acquire important parts that will allow said job to be finished.

It is expected that a new striker will top Erik ten Hag’s wish list when another recruitment market opens for business, with several potential targets said to have already been identified. Sitting somewhere towards the top of that list is the name of Harry Kane.

It is not the first time that the Tottenham talisman has seen a move to Manchester speculated on, with United and City having been admirers of his for some time, but it could be that a big-money deal is finally ready to be done.

Kane has continued to star for Spurs, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer, but tangible success and major silverware continues to elude him. He is now approaching the final year of his contract in north London, meaning that a sale may have to be sanctioned while a sizeable fee can still be demanded.

One of the finest finishers in world football has said of his expiring deal and whether an extension will be signed: “There’s not been much talking, to be totally honest. I’m sure there will be conversations over the coming months. I know there’s probably going to be rumours and a lot of talk about my future. But I’m just focused on what I can do.”

Superpower

Harry Kane is coming for Alan Shearer’s Premier League goals record 💪 pic.twitter.com/gY5sLo4Qnz

— GOAL (@goal) February 5, 2023

If Kane were to hit the open market, then the Red Devils should expect to face fierce competition for his signature. The likes of Bayern Munich are already said to be keen, and they can offer the kind of trophy guarantees that even a club of United’s stature are unable to put on the table.

A global superpower from Old Trafford does, however, boast deep pockets and could blow Bayern and Co. out of the water when it comes to transfer fees and personal terms. They may have little choice but to splash the cash, with it easy to argue that – with an obvious void to fill in the most ambitious of squads – United cannot afford not to sign Kane, regardless of how much it costs to get their man.