Harry Kane has faced Manchester United 18 times in his career, but his 19th encounter will hold a different air about it.
Even the most secluded footballer will not have been able to escape the news that Erik ten Hag has made the 29-year-old his primary summer target. Kane’s consolation in Sunday’s 6-1 embarrassment by Newcastle laid bare his heart, desire and effort when the proverbial hits the fan.
He was one, if not the only, Spurs player to head straight towards the away end to show his appreciation and clap the splatter of fans left up in the gods at St James' Park after experiencing 90 minutes of hell.
READ MORE: Carragher makes Kane Manchester United prediction after Tottenham embarrassment
It showed his character and professionalism and a depiction of why he is England’s captain and bafflement why he isn’t Tottenham’s. After facing Spurs supporters in the eye after that capitulation, Kane will go toe-to-toe with his potential future teammates on Thursday when United visit.
The attacker has played under nine different managers at Tottenham and former on-pitch colleague Ryan Mason will be his third this season, having featured under him during his first stint in 2021.
Mason's second match of his first tenure saw him lose 1-0 to Manchester City in the League Cup final - Kane’s most recent of three club final defeats having yet to clasp hands on a trophy under any of Mason’s predecessors.
Ten Hag has managed to get his hands on silverware at the first attempt, lifting the aforementioned cup in February. But for all United’s successes this season, the thorn in their side has been their away form.
The Reds have lost six visits to current top 10 sides this season, including humbling defeats to Brentford, Manchester City and Liverpool. Their sole away win against the top teams saw them squeeze Fulham in injury time.
They can halt the bad habit against a dishevelled Tottenham this week though. Mason is hardly a new face and there are enough players around from two years ago to argue that there might not be a new manager bounce.
A win for Ten Hag on the road will show United are heading in the right direction if they are to challenge for the league next year. Maybe equally as important, it will send a direct message to Kane.
He will only leave Spurs for trophies and a push for the title will be expected if he transfers to Old Trafford. This season has exemplified what Ten Hag can do, in a year where he’s only been allowed to spend in one transfer window.
Kane will have seen United’s progression to the FA Cup final and may be longing to be playing in the biggest club matches before it is too late.
He’ll be able to take notes on how he could potentially help United get to those places again next season on Thursday. He'll witness first-hand how United’s attack operates under Ten Hag, knowing that the Dutchman is after him.
Kane is approaching the final station for a get-off this summer. A United win on Thursday would send a clear message - don’t get left behind.
READ NEXT:
