It has been revealed that Ten Hag wanted to bring in Kane and two other top-tier forwards

Ultimately, the striker chose Bayern, leaving Ten Hag without his target.

24/02/2025, 09:30 PM +00:00

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's desire to bolster his attack with world-class talent has been revealed, with the Dutchman reportedly prioritizing the signing of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane during his time at the club.

Kane Was Ten Hag's Top Target

According to Benni McCarthy, who served as a first-team coach under ten Hag at Manchester United, Kane was the manager's primary target to lead the line for the Red Devils.

"Erik [ten Hag] really wanted him [Harry Kane]," McCarthy said. "He was top of that list."

Other World-Class Strikers on the List

However, Kane was not the only striker that ten Hag admired. McCarthy revealed that Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani and Napoli's Victor Osimhen were also high on the Dutchman's list of potential signings.

"Kolo Muani was also very high on that list," McCarthy said. "Victor Osimhen was also on that list."

Financial Considerations

McCarthy suggested that the financial implications of signing Kane, Kolo Muani, or Osimhen were a major factor in ten Hag's transfer plans. The combined cost of acquiring these players would have been substantial, and ten Hag was reportedly keen to ensure that any investment was made wisely.

"I felt like if you're going to want to spend that kind of money - £100 million plus - then you want a complete package," McCarthy said.

Kane's Move to Bayern Munich

Ultimately, Kane did not join Manchester United, instead opting to sign for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window. The England captain has since made a strong start to his career in Germany, scoring several goals and forming a formidable partnership with his new teammates.

Ten Hag's Striker Search Continues

With Kane now off the market, ten Hag's search for a world-class striker continues. Manchester United have been linked with a number of forwards in recent months, but it remains to be seen who the Dutchman will ultimately choose to lead his attack.