Manchester United’s long-standing interest in Harry Kane remains speculative rather than close to completion, with Bayern Munich increasingly confident that the England captain will sign a new contract. At the same time, INEOS are reported to retain full confidence in Michael Carrick despite United’s poor early-season results, meaning there is no immediate plan to replace the manager.
Kane has been repeatedly linked with a move to Old Trafford, and reports have suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is an admirer of the Bayern Munich striker. United have also been credited with interest in pursuing Kane in 2027, when his existing Bayern contract is due to expire. However, Bayern believe the 33-year-old is committed to their project and expect him to extend his stay in Munich.
The idea that Kane’s arrival at Manchester United is nearing completion is therefore not supported by the available reporting. No agreement between United, Bayern or Kane has been reported, and Bayern have not indicated that they are preparing to sell their leading striker. Instead, the strongest current indication is that the German champions expect a new long-term deal to be finalised.
Kane’s form provides Bayern with every reason to pursue an extension. He reached 100 Bundesliga goals with his strike in Bayern’s 2–1 victory over Elversberg, doing so in only 82 league appearances. Across all competitions, he has scored 150 goals in 153 matches for Bayern, underlining why the club are eager to secure his future.
United’s interest is understandable. A move for Kane would provide a proven, elite scorer and a high-level link player, but it would also represent a major financial and strategic decision. The club already have Benjamin Šeško as a developing centre-forward option, while any attempt to sign Kane would depend on his willingness to leave Bayern, Bayern’s willingness to negotiate and the eventual terms of his contract situation.
The speculation has emerged during a difficult start to the league season for Carrick. United have collected four points from their opening four Premier League games and suffered a 1–0 defeat to 10-man Manchester City at Old Trafford. Despite those results, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that United’s hierarchy have no plans to dismiss Carrick and continue to believe he is the right coach for the project.
Carrick initially took charge on an interim basis in January 2026 before leading United to Champions League qualification, after which INEOS made him the permanent manager. The club’s current stance suggests that ownership views the slow start as a problem to solve rather than a reason to immediately change direction.
For now, the two stories should be viewed separately. Kane remains a player United admire, but Bayern’s confidence over an extension makes a near-term Old Trafford transfer unlikely. Carrick, meanwhile, retains INEOS’ backing, although he will need results to improve if that support is to remain unquestioned over the longer term.
