Manchester United's pursuit of Harry Kane demonstrates that they are already plotting their post-Cristiano Ronaldo strategy.

Ronaldo threw back the years on Saturday, scoring a magnificent hat-trick to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory for United over Tottenham in the race for fourth place. The 59th hat-trick of Ronaldo's illustrious career elevated him to the position of all-time leading scorer with 807 goals and increased his season tally to 18.

Only Mo Salah has scored more Premier League goals than Ronaldo this season, but the United administration is well aware that its legendary No.7 is likely to depart this summer following a lone season at Old Trafford in his second term. While the arrival of Kane is far from inevitable and will cost United a record fee of over £120million, interim manager Ralf Rangnick – who will transition to a consultancy role this summer – has already proclaimed a new striker a priority.

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With Erling Haaland seemingly on the verge of joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund, Kane is the logical pick for United. While City were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Kane last summer, the 28-year-contract old's will expire this summer, effectively forcing Spurs to offer him a new deal or sell their best asset.

Ronaldo's hat-trick demonstrated that he can still perform at the highest level, but with United unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next season - Ronaldo will not want to play in the Europa League - and with the incoming permanent new manager prioritizing a squad rebuild, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would almost certainly find himself marginalised next season if he stayed.

United have identified four positions that require bolstering this summer: a striker, a holding midfielder, and full-backs on each flank. Whether or if Kane is the guy who will lead Manchester United's attack into a new era this summer, it is becoming increasingly clear that Ronaldo will not be that man.