Ten Hag reveals Kane and Rice transfer failures as Carrick's United future comes under scrutiny

Erik ten Hag has revealed that Harry Kane and Declan Rice were among the targets he pursued but failed to sign during his time as Manchester United manager, with the Dutchman also naming Frenkie de Jong and Brian Brobbey as players who slipped through his grasp.

Speaking to The Athletic, Ten Hag described his determination to land Kane in particular. “I said to them [the United board], ‘I want only one player — and you know who,’” he said. “I fought for it. I heard that he was very positive, but I never spoke with him about the issue.” Ten Hag left Old Trafford midway through the 2024/25 season.

The former manager’s reflections arrive at an uncomfortable moment for United. Current manager Michael Carrick has yet to oversee an away win this season and has not led the club to victory in any competition for more than a month. A trip to Leeds produced a fourth draw in seven league matches, while United’s European campaign stands at one win and one defeat — the latter followed by a controversial post-match interview involving Lisandro Martinez.

With results stalling, speculation over Carrick’s future has intensified. Former England captain Alan Shearer named three potential replacements should United decide to make a change, placing Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler at the top of his list ahead of Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte.

“If Carrick is relieved of his duties, Hurzeler would be a good replacement, but it’s a very different model at Brighton,” Shearer said. “I guess the manager you’d also look at is Eddie Howe. You’d look at Antonio Conte as well, but you know, whether you like it or not, that’s what happens when you’re not winning football matches and when you’re at one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Shearer’s comments were made before the weekend, during which Brighton thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 to underline Hurzeler’s credentials. The Seagulls have won four of their six meetings with United since the German took charge in 2024, including a Carabao Cup victory in which they recovered from two goals down.

Carrick’s side face Como on Wednesday, a fixture that has taken on added significance given the mounting pressure surrounding the manager’s position.