Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd told mooted signing from top four rival would ‘guarantee’ Ten Hag wins the Premier League

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag

A former Red Devils striker has named which player from a top four rival would “guarantee” Man Utd win the league, and the star in question may be available for transfer later in 2023.

But for their 3-2 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, Manchester United may well have been in a genuine title race in Ten Hag’s first season at the helm.

The loss saw the gap between the two clubs extend to 11 points. With Mikel Arteta’s side also possessing a game in hand, it’d take a minor miracle for United to win it all from here.

In any case, the Red Devils are clearly trending in the right direction under their Dutch manager who is having a transformative effect on the club, both on and off the field.

Turfing Cristiano Ronaldo out was as big of a decision as they come but it cannot be argued United’s results are better without the great man than with.

Elsewhere, Ten Hag is behind the so-called ‘Ronaldo rule’ that will put an upper limit on player salaries at the club. The intention there is to foster greater harmony among the squad.

On the transfers front, the bulk of Ten Hag’s summer recruits have been roaring successes. Casemiro in particular has been been a revelation, but Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez are not far behind.

Even January addition Wout Weghorst scored a vital goal in the EFL Cup in midweek. A Sky Sports reporter reckons the rangy Dutchman is well on his way to securing a permanent deal.

But even if United do sign Weghorst outright, a higher profile centre-forward is expected to join him at Old Trafford.

Major names such as Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen, Dusan Vlahovic and Goncalo Ramos have been linked.

United’s ability to land a big fish could hinge on whether they secure the riches of Champions League qualification. The Arsenal result aside, there’s been little to suggest United won’t power to a top four finish over the coming months.

But winning the Premier League must remain the ultimate aim and on that front, former United striker, Louis Saha, reckons signing Tottenham talisman Kane would “guarantee” they scoop the biggest prize in English football.

Harry Kane to Man Utd = Premier League title?

“If Harry Kane goes to Manchester United, then I can guarantee that he’s going to win the Premier League,” said Saha (via the Express).

“You can’t ask for much more as he knows the Premier League and he’s scored so many goals for Tottenham and the national team.

“With Manchester United’s current set-up and their approach to games tactically, then having a forward that can come into that team and score you 25 goals a season will be the last piece of the puzzle.

“You need somebody who can do the big job and the big job is to score 25 to 30 goals.”

Kane’s current contract with Spurs now has less than 18 months to run.

When quizzed on how negotiations over a new deal are going, the 29-year-old recently told the Evening Standard: “There’s not been much talk if I’m totally honest.

“I’m sure there’ll be conversations over the coming months but to be honest I’m just focussed on this season and doing my best for the team.”

The Athletic recently claimed Kane is open to extending his stay with his boyhood club. He’ll soon surpass the legendary Jimmy Greaves as the club’s all-time top scorer, though his desire to lift major team honours has been well-documented in the past.

Spurs fans may argue a move to United wouldn’t necessarily come with a guarantee of winning trophies. Indeed, the Red Devils have endured a barren spell since lifting the League Cup and Europa League in the 2016-17 campaign.

But United look a rejuvenated side since Ten Hag took charge and that’s without the goals and expert centre-forward play Kane would provide.

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney recently stressed Man Utd will explore a move at season’s end.

If Kane doesn’t commit his future to Spurs in the meantime, expect exit speculation to run rampant once the summer window opens its doors.

READ MORE: Ten Hag reluctance holding up forward signing with ‘frustrated’ Man Utd star wanted to offset damaging Liverpool, Chelsea deals