I was reading about the Kane saga today and its interesting read how close he was to signing for United, untill the powers that be pulled the plug and decided funds are needed for Onana and Mount, so the original plan for 2 prolific strikers - one on Ronaldo wages at age 30, was canned.
I do believe Ten Hag was under the assumption the club sale would go through before the new 23/24 season and more funds would come so he could have his 2 strikers including Kane, Mount for a more pressing tactic, and a foot playing goakeeper wich was vital to start any new tactic.
Apparently the choice was given for either 2 strikers - Hoijland and Kane, or one striker and Onana and Mount. With Levy threatening this Kane transfer dragging out till the last minute the last drop.
The powers that be (Glazers, Murtough) decided any transfer dealing needs to be done quickly and so together with Ten Hag, decided to let the Kane dream go. They signed Hoijlund and a week later Kane went for Bayern, where he was even thinking about staying one more year at Spurs and sign a pre contract with United in january 24.
Was this all on Ten Hag? Can we blame him for making a choice for Hojland/Mount/Onana instead of Hojland/Kane and leave the rest? I think he counted on Rashford providing a lot more goals and perhaps fill that hole of a proven striker. He also wanted to build on a new philosophy, a new style of high press with backing of a football capable keeper. With De gea that wouldv been another lost year with maybe even worse results. He solved the Ronaldo problem and achived a 3rd place and fa cup with a very limited squad. And yet, we are p6 with a more negative goal difference than Everton. To me it seems even if Ten Hag has flaws, he still is delivering. Compared to say Poch and Chelsea, even Newcastle, hes not doing a bad job at all. I think the blame of not getting Kane, of putting Ten Hag for that choice, is on the Glazers.