Why Manchester United Should Be Wary Of Pursuing Harry Kane

Whether it is Harry Kane or Odion Ighalo or another centre forward, it is clear that Manchester United will go into this summer’s transfer window with a firm eye on padding out the position.

The Nigeria international, signed initially on-loan on deadline day from Shanghai Shenhua, has made quite the impression since joining Manchester United, with plenty of groups of fans calling for the club to make it a permanent acquisition.

Four goals and one assist in eight games through all competitions is not a bad record to hold on to, especially with having joined during the season and a largely dysfunctional team up until that point. Ighalo, having been a boyhood Manchester United fan, has shown his clear desire and steely determination to make a long-lasting impact, perhaps one long enough to stay at Old Trafford for a number of years.

Marcus Rashford has now returned from injury and will be in the starting line-up, which means it is a tussle between Ighalo and Anthony Martial to fight for the number nine position. Behind them, there is young Mason Greenwood, who has stormed to prominence this season and is more than likely to have a sizeable role moving forward into next season.

But there is still room for one centre forward to challenge and compete: either the rotational player in Ighalo, who for around £15 million could join permanently, or the world-class nature of Harry Kane, who Daniel Levy is likely not to sell unless for upwards of £130 million – even in this financial climate.

The England captain is in demand, with a multitude of clubs vying for his signature. But with the Coronavirus situation impacting clubs’ revenues and therefore ability to make a dent in the market, Kane’s market might withdraw quite considerably.

Manchester United are long-term admirers of Kane and have been looking for a way to bring him to Old Trafford for a number of years. With four years left on his Tottenham contract, Levy is under no pressure to sell off his best asset at the club – especially with Jose Mourinho looking to rebuild the team.

The attraction of Kane is simple: he is a goal-scorer. With 17 in the Premier League and Champions League this season in 25 appearances, plus a further two assists, the Englishman is one of the most reliable centre forwards in the world. Captain of his country, as well, Kane brings a sense of leadership to any dressing room.

One of the concerns, however, is his proven injury record, which continues to prohibit Kane completing a full season from start to finish with Spurs. For the amount of money needed to buy the centre forward, it could be considered a risqué purchase should Kane’s injury issues become worse.

Ighalo, on the surface, appears to be the safer option with minimal up-front cost and a desire to want to better the club day in, day out. Accepting his role as a rotational striker, the experience the 30-year-old could also bring is worth noting and appreciating.

Either way, Manchester United need another centre forwarded added to their ranks in order to bridge the gap between themselves and the best.