Casemiro ‘stopped’ Harry Kane from joining Manchester United

Casemiro's move to Manchester United was reportedly the reason why Erik ten Hag was unable to sign Harry Kane over the summer.

Casemiro joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid for £60 million in August 2022 and quickly established himself as one of Erik ten Hag's most important players, making 51 appearances in all competitions.

However, the Brazilian has experienced a drop-off in performances this season and hasn't featured since November 1 after picking up a hamstring injury.

As a result, he has been rumoured with a January exit, with Everton midfielder Amadou Onana tipped to replace him at Old Trafford.

But Casemiro was also reportedly the reason United failed to sign Kane from Tottenham Hotspur.

That's according to The Athletic, who claim that the Casemiro deal "ended United’s hopes of a move for Harry Kane this summer because the England striker’s wages would have been too great to work into FFP regulations".

The report adds that Ten Hag opted to sign Casemiro because he needed an "immediate impact" and the club unanimously agreed with the decision.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is thought to have questioned the signing during his tour of Carrington in March, as the British billionaire prepares to take full control of the club's sporting matters after his 25 per cent investment was accepted by the Glazers in November.

Meanwhile, Kane ended up joining Bayern Munich this summer for a fee of £82 million where he has gone on to score 21 goals in 15 appearances for the Bundesliga side.