Harry Kane is a legend at Spurs, but the club look a long way from being trophy winners. What will go through Kane’s mind today? In the hours before, during, and in the immediate aftermath of Tottenham’s game with Manchester United, what is the England captain thinking? Beyond the obvious thoughts on preparation and focus on the match itself, Kane is likely considering his future at the club. Spurs are two places and six points below their visitors in the Premier League table and travelling in very different directions. United are upwardly mobile, having already won a trophy and looking likely to secure Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Tottenham are in turmoil – managerless, embarrassed on the pitch by Newcastle and humbled off it by their offer to reimburse the fans who made the trip. Tonight, they will trot out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium braced for the reaction of the 17,500 fans packed into the gigantic South Stand.
A little under 12 months ago Spurs beat Arsenal in a high-stakes game which effectively saved their season, helped secure Champions League football and kicked the can down the road on Kane’s future. But this time it all feels a little late for that. Any chance of a trophy is gone, a top-four finish looks slim and, with just a year left on his contract and his 30th birthday approaching, Kane may be closer to the exit door than ever. And it is tonight’s opponents, Manchester United, who seem most motivated to finally lure the England captain from Spurs. Victory tonight, coupled with the increased angst defeat will cause their hosts, may be another step towards closing the deal. Daniel Levy could yet pull a rabbit out of the hat in the shape of Julian Nagelsmann or Luis Enrique, but Kane has been here before and likely doesn’t want to be here again. Spurs don’t want him to go and Levy will put up a fight, but lose tonight and Kane will perhaps be thinking it’s a little too late.