Manchester United can repeat Ruud van Nistelrooy trick if transfer window doesn't go to plan

Manchester United's season has descended into panic and dread after months of optimism.

It's hard to get too excited about an FA Cup final when you're the last line of defence from stopping your great rivals from having the opportunity to equal your greatest-ever achievement. Even Premier League fixtures have become nervy affairs due to the anxiety of missing out on the Champions League. There's still joy to be found (United could win the final!) but it's clear the side is running on empty and the sooner this gruelling campaign concludes the better.

Then heads can gently gaze towards the warming glow of a sunny horizon. The transfer window promises to be yet another exciting, if expensive, one for Erik ten Hag and we all know what the priority is.

Also read: 13 exits and five signings - what the United transfer list could look like

A new centre-midfielder, goalkeeper, right-back and centre-back are all on the wishlist but they all pale in importance to an elite level-striker. United have been desperately short on goals this season, despite Marcus Rashford's best efforts, and it's held them back. Only Aston Villa - who started the season terribly - have scored less out of the top 10 sides.

Harry Kane is Ten Hag's top target and what a signing he would be. The England captain has got at least 20 goals in each of his last nine seasons and just needs one more this year to hit the 30 mark for a fourth time. United have lacked such a guaranteed source of goals for years and he would add the cutting edge that's missing in the side.

But, even though he is approaching the final year of his contract and would presumably be keen on a move away after another terrible Tottenham campaign, signing him will not be easy. Daniel Levy is