Manchester United: Is Harry Kane Needed at the Club?

It’s that time of the year again; the season for suntans, melons, and bizarre transfer rumours sprouting like hair in unlikely places. And so on that note, the average red-devil would be forgiven for being a tad skeptical of recent ‘news’ that  Jose Mourinho is interested in signing Tottenham’s Harry Kane this summer.

The Independent  even goes on to report that the Portuguese tactician has currently prioritized the move for the striker above any other transfer. This is a move that fails to add up on multiple fronts.

First of all, let’s talk about levies. More specifically; Daniel Levy. Every Spur and his dog will tell you all about the hard-nose of their chairman in the transfer market. Especially when selling his prize stars, (just ask Real Madrid) with reports quoting an impossible £200 million as asking price. For that price, United could get Suarez, Lewandoski and Aubameyang… sheesh, for that price we’d get Messi and no mistake.

Also, unlike Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose signings precipitated staggering sales in jerseys and club merchandise, Kane lacks the super-star factor that ensures that the club can recoup a major part of his transfer fee. Woodward and co. surely cannot have failed to spot that niggling detail.

Secondly, the player does not represent a truly significant upgrade on Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The 23-year-old contributed 39 goals and eight assists in 49 appearances last season and 29 goals in 51 appearances in the previous season. In contrast, Ibrahimovic 28 goals and eight assists in 51 appearances this season, and a record 50 goals in 51 games last season. Figures made even more impressive given that the Swede turns 36 in October. Also, it could be argued that the former PSG captain is a more complete player, than the Spurs front-man.

Thirdly, it has become apparent to majority of United fans that the team needs a speedy finisher who isn’t Marcus Rashford. The likes of Carrick, Pogba and Mkhitaryan have often ended up frustrated due to the paucity of talent upfront. Harry Kane is many good things, but fast, he is not.

Next: Manchester United: Jose Mourinho’s Ideal Lineup for the 2017-2018 Season

The rumours will inevitably linger, though Messrs Mourinho and Woodward have too much sense to heed them. However if they do,… then let us be thankful for suntans and melons.