With Harry Kane off Man United's radar, Facundo Pellestri may have striking role to play

Before the end of last season, Manchester United identified Harry Kane as the number one striker that Erik ten Hag wanted to bring to the club.

The logic was simple: he’s a proven, consistent, goalscorer in the Premier League. Though all his staff rated Kane, some thought there were other younger prospects out there who would be better signings for United.

It was money, complying with Financial Fair Play rules and the limited likelihood of getting Kane from Tottenham Hotspur that saw United cool on Kane. The club also wanted to avoid a repeat of the Frenkie de Jong saga last summer, which went on for months and led to no signing.

Attentions switched to signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and a new goalkeeper, Andre Onana from Internazionale. United still want a striker and are actively interested in Randal Kolo Muani, 24, from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Muani, a former winger, is rated by United for his quick feet, ability to beat players as well as score. He also has the height that would be useful when defending set pieces.

Rasmus Hojlund, the 20-year-old Danish striker at Atalanta and Mohammed Kudus, the 22-year-old Ghanian striker who Ten Hag also managed at Ajax, are also of firm interest to United.

All will be expensive, though United think one of them would be a more realistic options than Kane. United are also not interested in Kylian Mbappe and have had no contact with PSG about him.

Marcus Rashford was the standout striker last season and was delighted to sign a new contract last week. Jadon Sancho, who scored a fine goal against Arsenal in front of 82,282 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Saturday and is playing well pre-season would only be allowed to leave if there was a considerable offer for him.

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