'Cristiano Ronaldo money' prevented Man Utd from signing Harry Kane

Manchester United would have had to pay “Cristiano Ronaldo money” to sign Harry Kane, it has been claimed.

Despite Bayern Munich losing 5-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt in the German top flight this weekend, Kane has seamlessly taken to life in Bavaria since his £86million move from Tottenham this summer.

The forward is on course to have his most prolific season yet, having managed an avalanche of 22 goals for his new club, and four for his country already this term.

On Tuesday the England captain travels to Old Trafford to take on Erik ten Hag’s hapless United side, who need a win to secure European football for the new year.

Whether three points against the group winners gets them a Champions League or Europa League knockout place depends on the outcome of the other group game.

Of course, Kane could have easily been plying his trade for United rather than Bayern on Tuesday evening, with the Old Trafford club having been widely reported to have been keen on the striker this summer.

According to the Mail Online, however, United would have had to pay “Cristiano Ronaldo money” in terms of wages to secure Kane’s signature.

Kane’s salary in Munich is allegedly £500,000, including a signing-on fee and bonuses.

United reportedly considered it a lot of money for a player who turned 30 in the summer and would have little resale value at the end of his contract.

In turn, the decision is said to have been made early in the summer window to kill their interest, and the possibility of a bid for Kane was never revisited.

United’s loss is Bayern’s gain. Beyond his aforementioned 22-goal haul Kane has registered seven assists in his 19 games and is already providing a sizeable repayment on Bayern’s investment.

Meanwhile, United’s £72million acquisition of Rasmus Hojlund has not yet gone to plan, with the young striker having not yet scored a Premier League goal in 12 appearances.

The Dane has managed five goals in five Champions League encounters however, and will be hoping to add to that tally during United’s crucial clash against Kane’s Bayern.