Manchester Evening News have compiled a thorough breakdown to assess whether Erik ten Hag should sign Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen
It is the multi-million-dollar question for Erik ten Hag and the Old Trafford hierarchy: which big-money striker do Manchester United sign this summer?
Every man and his dog knows the Red Devils need a prolific number nine. Last year, Manchester City elevated their star-studded squad even further by signing Erling Haaland; a ruthless, cold-blooded killer in front of goal.
Should United do the same this year, they could transform from pretenders to contenders and finally launch an assault on the Premier League – a feat that has eluded them since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Reports have perennially linked United with two names: Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
The latter is flying high after helping Napoli secure their first Serie A title in 30 years. As the main goalscorer, clubs will be lining up to sign the Nigerian – valued at £100million – become available.
And then there is Kane, the England captain on course to break Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record. While he has received individual awards in abundance, it is frankly criminal that his trophy cabinet remains bare.
Pressure is on Tottenham Hotspur this summer as Kane, turning 30, enters the final year of his contract. Daniel Levy is renowned as a tough negotiator and his arm will almost certainly be pulled should Spurs, as expected, qualify for the Europa Conference League.
But how do the two stack up?
When comparing the stats, their respective clubs must come under consideration. As mentioned, Napoli have enjoyed a brilliant campaign – wiping the floor with all who stand in their way to win a historic league title.
Gli Azzurri have amassed 2.41 points per game, compared to struggling Spurs (1.59), amplifying Kane’s achievements further. Regardless, Osimhen is the man who boasts a better goals-per-game ratio (0.82), bagging 22 in 27 outings – with no penalties – as Napoli stormed to the title.
Kane has still netted an impressive 25 in 34 outings at a rate of 0.74 per game. Had he been elsewhere, Tottenham might be languishing in mid-table. On the assist front, Osimhen (four) has managed one more than his English counterpart.
However, that does not tell the full story, with Kane’s expected assists – similar to the xG metric stat geeks fawn over – being 6.7. That figure is more than triple Osimhen (2.2), a reflection of how goal-shy Spurs have been this season.
The passing stats tend to favour Kane, with a higher accuracy rate (69.9 percent) and distance passed (10748 yds). Osimhen’s total distance (3217 yds) is a reflection of the duo’s contrasting playing style, with the Napoli man preferring to use his athleticism and pace to get in behind rather than come deep.
This is highlighted further by aerial duels won, where Osimhen (54.4 percent) trumps Kane (43.8 percent). Current on-loan striker Wout Weghorst is effectively used as a battering ram by Ten Hag, winning duels as a foil for his teammates.
Osimhen is effective when pinning the opposing centre-back, playing on the shoulder and, at times, with his back to goal. In that regard, the Nigerian may be better suited to Man United.
But what cannot be understated is how much Marcus Rashford could benefit from playing alongside Kane. At Spurs, the England captain enjoys a fruitful partnership with Heung-min Son, with the pair top of the all-time goal combinations chart (45).
Rashford occupying that left flank, with Kane dropping deep and spraying the ball out wide, is a mouthwatering prospect for United fans. Either striker’s arrival would likely prove a hit with supporters – which option should Ten Hag and Co go for once the transfer market opens?
Kane vs Osimhen: the breakdown
