Manchester United and Harry Kane could do worse than paying close attention to Harry Maguire’s recent comments.
The United captain was speaking ahead of his side’s clash against Spurs on Sunday – and naturally Kane’s name cropped up. The 27-year-old has been on fire in front of goal once again this season, scoring 29 from 41 appearances.
His Premier League tally now stands at 160, 100 behind all-time leader Alan Shearer. It’s a tally Kane can catch but, with no trophies yet won, the record could be the only significant thing the striker owns when he retires.
As a result, it could mean Kane chooses to walk away from the club this summer and use his peak years at a different side that are more likely to challenge in Europe or for the Premier League title.
(Image: Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I)
The Athletic report that Kane has, for the first time in his career, begun to see his future elsewhere.
This is where United come in. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have made Erling Haaland their priority target, much like every other big club in Europe. But it’s added that should their chase prove fruitless then Kane is their alternative.
As established, a trophy-hungry Kane would be no bad alternative for United who are desperate to challenge for the Premier League title once again.
(Image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVQruDjEKQQ&ab_channel=SoccerAM)
And Maguire’s comments ahead of his showdown against the striker were nothing short of complimentary.
“It’s a great game to be involved in,” he told ManUtd.com.
“We have more than enough to go there and get the three points. It’s two squads that you expect to be fighting at the top end of the table. We’ve got ourselves into a good position and they’re wanting to bridge that gap.
“I want to play in the biggest games possible against the best players; that’s why I joined this club. Harry [Kane] is one of those.
(Image: PA)
“I know him from England really well. He’s a top striker, one of the best in the world and he does it season after season, scores goals after goals.
“He’ll be ready for battle and I’ll be ready for battle. May the best man win.
“It’s not just individuals; it’s a team effort. As a defensive unit we’ve got to be strong, go there and get a clean sheet and give the team the best opportunity to win the game.”
In case United didn’t need any further convincing, then Maguire’s account from playing and training with him for England should only place more emphasis on the club trying to get a deal done.
And his comments are also something for Kane to mull over.
Maguire says he joined United to play in the biggest and best games. Given he’d still be playing in this fixture for Leicester it’s safe to assume that the centre-back is talking about playing in Champions League encounters and title race deciders.
If Kane were to join United, he and Maguire would share a common goal and push for it together.
