Former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that the club initially targeted Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen, and Randal Kolo Muani before settling on Rasmus Hojlund in the summer of 2023.
McCarthy, who worked under Erik ten Hag from 2022 to 2024, explained that United had serious interest in signing a proven world-class striker but financial constraints led them to prioritize Hojlund’s long-term potential.
According to McCarthy, England captain Kane was Ten Hag’s top choice before his move to Bayern Munich for £82m. The club also considered Kolo Muani and Osimhen but ultimately decided to invest £72m in the young Danish forward.
“Harry Kane was our No. 1 target, but the price was an issue,” McCarthy told Ladbrokes at the launch of Gaffer Of All Accas. “Because he was moving from Spurs to United, his price tag increased. But looking at it now, paying £100m for Kane would have been worth it because he’s still delivering at Bayern.”
He added that United initially discussed signing both Kane and Hojlund, which he believes would have been the best solution. “It would have been great for Rasmus to learn from someone like Kane. But the club didn’t see it that way and felt Hojlund was a more valuable long-term investment.”
Kolo Muani eventually signed for Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Juventus on loan, while Osimhen was loaned to Galatasaray after failing to secure a permanent transfer away from Napoli.
Meanwhile, Hojlund has had a mixed spell at United, scoring 23 goals in 75 appearances but struggling for consistency. Former defender Paul Parker recently criticized the striker, questioning his confidence and development.
“Hojlund looks afraid to make mistakes and isn’t playing with belief,” Parker told Instant Casino. “He seems scared to even touch the ball now. His decision-making isn’t there, and I don’t see the striker situation at the club improving anytime soon.”
United’s striker struggles have been ongoing for years, and with Kane excelling at Bayern and Osimhen and Kolo Muani moving elsewhere, questions remain about whether Hojlund can truly become the elite forward the club hoped for.