A managerial saga tends to embody that of a horse race and with Manchester United’s hunt to find Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s long-term successor, that has never been more true.
In the running has been the likes of Luis Enrique, Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag but only one of them has made it over the final jump and into the home straight.
That happens to be ten Hag, someone who has always been front and centre of most races he’s competed in.
Indeed, the Dutch coach has an impressive CV, winning the Eredivisie on two occasions and taking home the Netherland’s domestic cup competition on the same number of occasions.
He very nearly made it to the final furlong in the Champions League too, only to be defeated by Pochettino’s Spurs side in the semi-final back in 2018/19.
However, it’s funny how football works itself out, because ten Hag is now set to beat that very man to the hot seat at Old Trafford, and he could also prise away one of Pochettino’s main men of days gone by; Harry Kane.
United have often been linked with a move for the Tottenham striker and this summer is no different. That said, they may have to part ways with a whopping £100m or even more according to claims made in recent days.
Yet, if ten Hag can finally bring the England captain to Man United, it would be a remarkable way to introduce himself to the club’s fanbase.
To put things simply, he would become an instant hit with the Old Trafford crowd, bringing a player to United who could not only make their rebuild easier, but also bring them closer to the title in a quicker fashion.
United have often been linked with Erling Haaland too but in Kane, someone dubbed an “animal” by football writer Andrew Gaffney, they’d discover someone who is arguably even better right now.
The Norwegian powerhouse has admitted himself that the Spurs striker is better than him and considering his proven record in the Premier League, a move would certainly be less of a gamble.
Haaland may have scored one more goal than the England international this term but it’s evident the latter provides you with much more than just being able to find the net.
When it comes to shot-creating actions, Kane is out in front with 3.26 per 90 minutes compared to Haaland’s 2.61, according to FB Ref. Furthermore, the progressive distance with which the former plays his passes is also considerably larger, averaging a whopping 115.8 yards per 90 compared to the Norway international’s measly 38.8 yards.
On top of that, Tottenham’s star man provides more from a defensive point of view, winning more pressures per 90 inside his own team’s half and in the middle of the pitch.
Despite Haaland’s raw pace, it’s Kane again who comes out on top when it comes to progressing with the ball, making 3.94 progressive carries with the ball at his feet per 90 in comparison to Haaland’s 3.07.
With that in mind, it looks as though the 28-year-old would be a far better acquisition for the present.
Ten Hag must do all he can to lure the forward to Old Trafford this summer.
AND in other news, Man Utd now plot bid to sign £60m “special talent”, he’s miles better than Rashford…