As a stinging reminder of Ten Hag’s reconnaissance expedition, Harry Kane made a mockery of it

Only a few months after Manchester United failed to sign Harry Kane and instead settled for Rasmus Hojlund, the England captain is still impeding the Red Devils’ transfer plans. United scouts traveled to Germany recently to observe one of their January targets, but Kane showed Erik ten Hag’s crew precisely what they were missing.

According to 90min, United scouts were in attendance for Bayern Munich’s 3-0 triumph over Stuttgart, but it was Kane’s opposite number that they were scrutinizing. Serhou Guirassy of Stuttgart has been in blistering form this season, scoring 16 goals in 13 Bundesliga matches, second only to Kane’s 20.

United officials traveled to Bavaria to see Guirassy, but he was unable to continue his remarkable scoring streak. Kane struck twice, including the game-winning goal in the second minute, as they closed in on Xabi Alonso’s table-topping Bayer Leverkusen.

Instead, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae kept Guirassy quiet, leaving United scouts underwhelmed as the team continues its search for extra firepower. Hojlund was brought in from Atalanta for £72 million after Tottenham failed to sign Kane, but he has yet to score his first Premier League goal.

FC Bayern München v VfB Stuttgart - Bundesliga

Manchester United fans gathered to watch Serhou Guirassy take on Bayern Munich.

Only five sides have scored fewer goals in the English Premier League this season than United, with Ten Hag’s side scoring only 18 times in 17 games following their 0-0 draw away to Liverpool on Sunday.

United have been tracking Guirassy since his impressive start to the season, especially given that the Guinea international has a release clause of just £15 million following Stuttgart’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season.

FC Bayern München v VfB Stuttgart - Bundesliga

With Manchester United watching, Harry Kane celebrates scoring against Serhou Guirassy’s Stuttgart.

However, they will face competition from Newcastle, West Ham, and Tottenham for his signature. The Hammers were also present for Stuttgart’s defeat to Bayern, along with Fulham and AC Milan, albeit the nature of their trips was not stated.

Guirassy has already hinted at a possible Premier League move, admitting he would like to move to England. He did not, however, rule out spending the rest of the season with Stuttgart, and following his performance against Kane’s Bayern, it remains to be seen whether United would increase their interest.

“I cannot hide these things – everyone knows the Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world,” he was quoted as saying by the Guardian. “But at the moment, I’m not closing any doors.” There are some very large teams in Europe, and it is not limited to the Premier League. We have such a wonderful team in Stuttgart, and anything is possible in football. We have a strong chance if we keep being humble like we have been thus far.”