Erik Ten Hag Reveals Manchester United's Initial Target Was Harry Kane Over Rasmus Højlund: Transfer Insights Unveiled

Erik Ten Hag unveils Manchester United's transfer saga, shedding light on their pursuit of Harry Kane and eventual move for Rasmus Højlund. 

Erik Ten Hag's Revelation: Manchester United's Transfer Pursuit

In a surprising revelation, Erik Ten Hag disclosed that Manchester United had initially targeted Harry Kane instead of Rasmus Højlund in their quest for a striker. The Red Devils, eager to bolster their attacking lineup, scoured the transfer market last summer in search of a center fo Erik Ten Hag Reveals Manchester United's Initial Target Was Harry Kane Over Rasmus Højlund: Transfer Insights Unveiled in an u77y7yrward to elevate their offensive prowess.

The Pursuit of Harry Kane

Harry Kane, the prolific English striker, was amidst transfer speculation, eyeing an exit from Tottenham Hotspur in his pursuit of silverware. Despite being Tottenham's all-time leading scorer, Kane had yet to lift any significant trophies with the Lilywhites, fueling his desire for a new challenge. Manchester United's interest in Kane was palpable, recognizing his ability to consistently deliver 30 goals or more per season.

Speaking to the media, Erik Ten Hag affirmed United's pursuit of Kane, stating, "Yes, you know Kane will get you 30 goals. He’s a striker who has already proved it, who we wanted to sign, and we couldn't get him." The allure of Kane's goal-scoring prowess and proven track record made him a prime target for the Red Devils.

Turning to Rasmus Højlund

However, fate took a different turn with Kane's eventual move to Bayern Munich for a staggering fee of around £100 million. Undeterred by the missed opportunity, Erik Ten Hag swiftly shifted his focus towards securing an alternative option. Enter Rasmus Højlund, a rising talent from Atalanta, who caught Ten Hag's attention as a promising prospect.

Despite Højlund's potential, his transition to the Premier League has been met with challenges, including adapting to the pace and physicality of the English game, compounded by injuries and fitness setbacks. Nonetheless, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the young forward's development, stating, "So we went for Højlund. He’s a big talent. Rasmus will get there [30 goals], but he needs time," in an interview with Sky.

In the ever-competitive landscape of football transfers, Manchester United's pursuit of a striker saw twists and turns, ultimately leading to the emergence of Rasmus Højlund as their chosen path forward.