Football often throws up narratives, and the Premier League’s opening fixture between Manchester United and Spurs is simply full of talking points, and that’s before a ball has even been kicked!

One centres around Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane, with the pair very much the attacking focal points for their respective sides. Throw into this the fact that both are in line to be competing for spots in England’s EURO 2016 set-up, and the battle has some added spice… there’s also the faint possibility of the Tottenham man moving to Old Trafford, too.

Both are in need of a good season then, with the duo’s form across the campaign, perhaps, vital in how the Three Lions line up next summer.

Will it be Rooney alone? Kane alone? Or a pairing? Their impacts over the season will be vital, and here’s how we see things panning out…

First-team role

Rooney: With United’s striking ranks depleted to say the least, Rooney is the only obvious choice to lead the line at Old Trafford. With Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie gone, only Javier Hernandez and James Wilson are rivals, and with the former having been shipped off to Real Madrid on loan last term and the latter a youngster, ‘Wazza’ is sure to be the main man, unless LVG can snap up a late summer signing. As a result, Rooney looks to be a ‘sure thing’ for goals and playing time.

Kane: Like Rooney, Kane is the only genuine choice for Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane. With Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado having struggled over the course of the past few years it’s nailed-on that the ‘HurriKane’ will be leading the line for the lion’s share of the season and will be the focal point of the team.

Form

Rooney: With one goal during United’s pre-season American adventure, Rooney is hardly in blistering form. Okay, the games have been less than competitive, but Red Devils fans would have hoped to have seen a little more from their captain, who is set to move back into his favoured position on a permanent basis. Class is permanent, however, and Rooney always turns up when it matters for United, so as long as Van Gaal sets his team up correctly, the Merseyside-born England skipper should be able to do what he does best.

Kane: Some impressive pre-season showings – including a wonderful goal against Major League Soccer’s All-Star team – suggest that Kane is ready to fire once again. Of the two options being discussed, there’s only one winner from 2014/15, with Kane’s 30+ goals in all competitions very, very impressive.

Prospects

Rooney: With United possessing a much stronger squad than Spurs, it’s fair to reach the conclusion that Rooney will be getting the better service. The Old Trafford captain is very much the focal point of the team and has proven himself across a glittering career to date, and such experience makes it likely that he will do it once again.

Kane: Yes, last season was breath-taking, but Kane is still a ‘new kid on the block’. This term will be his first full campaign as Spurs’ main forward, and opposition defenders are sure to give him closer attention than they did last term. Alas, that does not mean that he will be useless, with Kane’s work-rate and technique enough to trouble even the most robust of centre-backs, but there is every chance that his impact could be lessened.

Verdict

On the whole, Rooney wins this battle. We cannot ignore his proven record and the quality that he’ll be surrounded with. United are also gunning for the title, so, all being well, the Red Devils skipper will be tasked with banging in the goals from plentiful lines of service.

Kane, however, should not be forgotten, with his record last season hinting that he has a good chance of leading the Spurs line effectively.