‘Club didn’t see it that way' – Man United’s failed Harry Kane move explained by Benni McCarthy

Harry Kane was Manchester United's No.1 target in the summer of 2023 according to former Red Devils assistant coach Benni McCarthy, but the club eventually opted against moving for the striker

Former Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy has claimed the club did not pursue Harry Kane as they didn't view the England captain as a worthwhile investment.

Former South Africa international striker McCarthy spent two years at Old Trafford working alongside ex-United manager Erik ten Hag and has now shed light on the failed attempt to sign the former Spurs goalscorer.

Despite being considered one of the frontrunners for Kane's signature when he decided to leave Tottenham, United were reportedly put off by the £100million asking price, deeming it too steep for the then 30-year-old.

"In the summer of 2023, Harry Kane was our No.1 target," McCarthy said exclusively to Ladbrokes at the Gaffer of all Accas launch.

Kane eventually made a move to Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich in a deal potentially worth £120m, making him the most expensive player in the club's history. Since his switch to Germany, Kane has scored an impressive 73 goals in 75 appearances.

However, McCarthy revealed that United believed they would get better value for their money by moving for Rasmus Hojlund. "Kane was the prime target, but obviously the price tag was an issue," McCarthy added.

"Because he would have been leaving Spurs for United, a few extra million pounds were added on to the price tag, which, you know, for a 30-year-old wasn't seen to be wise.

"But for £100million, if you look at it now, you'd say that it would have been well worth it because he's gone to Bayern and he's still producing, he's still scoring. So you think we should have just bitten the bullet and got Harry Kane and then also tried to invest in Rasmus Hojlund. That would have been the best thing for Rasmus if he had had someone like Harry Kane involved.

"So, yeah, Harry Kane was Erik's No.1 target. Erik really wanted him. Kolo Muani was also very high on that list. Victor Osimhen was also on that list. But I felt that if you're going to want to spend that kind of money – £100million-plus – then you want the complete package. And Harry Kane, for me, was the complete package.

"But unfortunately, the club didn't see it that way. They looked at it as Rasmus Hojlund in the long run would be a more prized asset than investing in both Rasmus and Harry Kane. So we stopped pursuing Kane and we ended up getting just Rasmus."

Hojlund, 22, has netted 23 times in 75 United appearances since he joined from Atalanta for £64m rising to £72m, but his performances have drawn criticism from some quarters. The Danish forward's struggles in front of goal have led Ruben Amorim's side to once again be linked with Kane.

The 31-year-old has been the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs this week following the revelation of his release clause at Munich, reports the Express. Despite Kane's lack of major trophies at Munich, his impressive goalscoring record suggests the club would rather retain him – and he is on course to claim the Bundesliga title this term.

However, a £67m release clause, which will reduce to £54m next January, has attracted attention from English clubs. Although Spurs reportedly have first refusal on Kane, they could face competition from United.

Red Devils minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be eager to compensate for missing out on Kane previously by masterminding a bold move for the player.