Harry Kane's long-term future at Tottenham Hotspur will provide a constant subplot to their season's conclusion - results and performances like this defeat by Manchester United will only add spice to the storyline.
Spurs had the chance to move towards the top four with victory at home to the Red Devils, a place in next season's Champions League a potential game-changer should Kane seriously start considering his future.
Instead, this was a chance missed as Spurs lost 3-1 after a display that summed up the stodge and lack of ambition that has characterised so much of their season under manager Jose Mourinho.