Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Manchester United should have signed Tottenham striker Harry Kane instead of Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
The Portuguese superstar completed a shock return to Old Trafford on Friday after leaving Serie A giants Juventus.
Ronaldo, 36, spent six years at Man Utd after signing as an 18-year-old from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, and returns to Manchester as a five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner respectively.
The transfer came in extraordinary circumstances, though, after their arch-rivals Manchester City had shown interest in Ronaldo, before reportedly pulling out of the deal.
But while the move has a nostalgic feel to it, former Arsenal midfielder Merson believes Ole Gunnar Solskaer’s side should have made a move for the Spurs striker instead.
Kane has been the subject of a potential move away from North London since the end of last season, with a move to Man City heavily touted all summer. However, despite interest, Kane recently confirmed his status in the capital for at least another six months.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday panel, Merson said: “I still sit here now and think, ‘why not get Harry Kane?’ Kane is a three or four-year option.
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“This [Ronaldo] is a big, big deal for one season. Ronaldo is 37 in February. It don’t matter how well you keep yourself fit, we all played the game.
“I know it’s Ronaldo and he’s different but he was unplayable before and I don’t think that’s going to be the case in the Premier League this season.
“His numbers are still phenomenal, but he’s 36. If he does it this season in the Premier League you have to stand up and say he’s not human. It would be unbelievable.”
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Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United has sent shockwaves across the football world, as it seemingly came about very quickly. But there is no doubt that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would have held the same stance as he did when Man City approached for Kane.
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