Explained: Why Man Utd didn’t sign Harry Kane on ‘Cristiano Ronaldo money’ despite new Bayern Munich hero wanting transfer to Old Trafford

The Three Lions captain severed career-long ties with Tottenham in the summer of 2023 after deciding that the time had come to chase down elusive major silverware outside of north London. United had been long-standing suitors by that stage, but Bayern Munich eventually put a €100 million (£86m/$108m) transfer in place.

According to the Daily Mail, United opted against making a serious play for Kane because they feared being dragged into another long-running saga by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. They wanted business to be done quickly, with big money invested in the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund.

It is also claimed that the Red Devils expected Spurs to push their asking price up if dealing with a domestic rival, while those at Old Trafford were reluctant to splash out “Ronaldo money” on a contract that is said to be worth around £500,000-per-week – including signing-on fee and bonuses.

United saw little value in that deal, with Kane offering no resale profit at 30 years of age. There were suggestions that the England captain – who is the all-time leading goalscorer for his country and Tottenham – was prepared to run down his deal and move to Manchester as a free agent in 2024. Bundesliga giants Bayern ensured that would not be allowed to happen.

It is said that United have “no regrets” at missing out on Kane, despite seeing him plunder 22 goals for Bayern through 19 appearances while Danish frontman Hojlund waits on his first Premier League strike in English football.