Wayne Rooney tells Harry Kane to choose Manchester United over Barcelona

Wayne Rooney believes Harry Kane should reject reported interest from Barcelona and make a sensational move to Manchester United if he decides to leave Bayern Munich this summer.

The former United captain has urged his ex-England teammate to return to the Premier League, arguing that the striker could both break Alan Shearer's all-time scoring record and help restore Manchester United to the top of English football.

Rooney's comments come amid growing speculation over Kane's future despite Bayern insisting the England captain remains happy in Germany.

Reports in Spain have suggested Barcelona have made contact with Kane's representatives to explore the possibility of signing the Bayern Munich striker.

Although the Bundesliga champions are confident they can convince the 32-year-old to extend his stay beyond the final year of his contract, Rooney believes another destination should be at the top of Kane's list.

Speaking on the BBC's football podcast, the Manchester United legend admitted he would love to see Kane at Old Trafford.

"I think everyone would have an interest."

"Listen, if Harry Kane's not going to stay at Bayern Munich then I'd love him at Manchester United."

Rooney then issued a direct message to the England captain.

"If he's listening: 'Harry, you've got Alan Shearer's record there… help get Manchester United back!'"

Kane has enjoyed a remarkable spell since leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich in 2023.

The striker has scored 146 goals in 147 appearances, helping Bayern reclaim back-to-back Bundesliga titles while establishing himself as one of Europe's most prolific forwards.

Despite that success, Rooney believes there is still unfinished business in England.

"You think for Harry Kane, he's won the Bundesliga and let's say he goes to Barcelona, he wins La Liga… deep down he wants to win the Premier League."

"Imagine he comes to Manchester United and he's the one to drive that, to get Manchester United back to winning the league."

Rooney also believes Kane remains England's most important player as the Three Lions continue their World Cup campaign.

While praising Jude Bellingham's influence on the squad, the former England captain insisted goals from Kane will ultimately determine how far Thomas Tuchel's side progress.

"If we win the tournament then it's because of them, more so Harry Kane from my point of view."

Rooney also highlighted Bellingham's leadership qualities but believes decisive moments in front of goal will come from England's captain.

"Harry's goals will be the one thing, I think, which if we win the tournament then it will be because of Harry's goals."

He added that Bellingham could still prove decisive in the latter stages of the competition.

"There will be one game, it might be a semi-final, where it's tight and that's where Jude will go and take the game."

Kane's immediate focus remains England's World Cup campaign, with any transfer decision expected to wait until after the tournament. Bayern Munich remain relaxed over the striker's future, while Barcelona and any potential Premier League suitors will continue monitoring developments should Kane become available later this summer.

Would Harry Kane be the signing Manchester United need to challenge for the Premier League again?