Teddy Sheringham insists Manchester United have missed their opportunity to sign Harry Kane, despite fresh rumors linking the England captain with a Premier League return.
Reports last week revealed that Kane’s Bayern Munich contract includes a release clause allowing clubs to sign him for just £54m next year.
Should any team trigger this clause, his former club Tottenham would have the option to match the bid and bring him back to North London.
The clause has reignited speculation about Kane’s return to the English top-flight, where he dominated for a decade before his £82m move to Bayern in 2023.
As the second-highest scorer in Premier League history, trailing only Alan Shearer, Kane may be tempted to come back and chase the all-time record.
However, he remains focused on ending his long trophy drought at Bayern, with the German giants currently leading the Bundesliga by eight points.
Despite links to Tottenham, Manchester United, and even Arsenal, Sheringham has advised United to move on from Kane, arguing they should have gone all in for him two years ago.
“United should have broken the bank for him back then,” Sheringham told finaria.it. “That’s what they used to do—sign the best players available. But now they’re missing out on top talent like Declan Rice, who cost £100m and would have bossed their midfield.”
Sheringham believes United should instead focus on younger talents, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak emerging as an ideal target.
The Swedish striker has been in top form, scoring 19 goals this season while helping Newcastle push for a Champions League spot and reach the Carabao Cup final.
“Would Isak leave Newcastle for United? A few years ago, it would’ve been a no-brainer, but now, I’m not so sure,” Sheringham said. “The longer United struggles, the harder it will be to attract world-class players.”
United’s current attacking options include Rasmus Hojlund, who joined for £72m, and Joshua Zirkzee, a £36.5m signing. However, manager Ruben Amorim reportedly has doubts about both, even experimenting with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine.
Sheringham remains optimistic about Hojlund but believes the young striker isn’t getting the right service. “United’s wingers don’t create enough chances. They cut inside and only pass if they have no other option,” he said. “Strikers need service. If you’re not getting it, you’re not scoring. And if you’re not scoring, your confidence plummets.”
As for Zirkzee, Sheringham is less convinced. “I think they overpaid for him. He’s okay, but I don’t see him as a United-level striker.”
With the summer transfer window approaching, United will likely invest in a new forward. Whether they pursue Kane, Isak, or another target remains to be seen, but Sheringham is clear—United must return to signing top-tier talent if they want to compete at the highest level again.