On Wednesday 20th September, Bayern Munich will face Manchester United at the Allianz Arena in their first match of the Champions League group stage. It is set to be Harry Kane’s first Champions League appearance for Bayern Munich. Bayern are the favourites for this game, unbeaten in 34 Champions League group stage games, winning all of their last group stage home games.
Bayern have never lost at home to Man United, a promising record for the upcoming match. Compare this to Man United’s current Premier League record, losing 3 of their first five games of the season. Man United are suffering from injuries with the likes of Wan-Bissaka and Varane unable to play in the fixture, putting them in a bad position. Bayern are also suffering from injuries, however, as Manuel Neuer is recovering from a broken leg.
Whilst Bayern are missing their best goal-stopper, they have acquired a top goal scorer. He goes by the name of Harry Kane, scoring 4 goals in his first 4 games at the club. He joined the club for a monstrous fee of £100 million this summer and his contract is valid until 30th June 2027. Kane seems to be positive about the change:
“I’m very happy to be a part of FC Bayern now. Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I’ve always said that I want to compete and prove myself at the highest level during my career. This club is defined by its winning mentality – it feels very good to be here.”
Having joined the Tottenham Hotspur academy in 2004, he was a homegrown player. As the Tottenham fans sang many a time, he was truly “one of their own”. However, after years without a trophy, it was his time to leave, to go get some silverware elsewhere. Elsewhere being Bayern Munich, a top German team with a rich history and a long list of trophies.
When discussing the meaning of silverware, Kane said that not having trophies “does motivate me to go on and try to push myself towards some of those trophies the guys have got”.
Bayern Munich is the place where Kane is striving for that long-deserved trophy. There is a legitimate chance that this will come through their Champions League campaign.
After spending so much time at Tottenham Hotspur, it was unknown how he would fare in new territory. Thus far, a new environment has not proved to be a challenge for him. He seemed to have adapted to the play style at Bayern Munich expertly, making immediate impacts. Moving out of one’s home country and boyhood club has not all smooth sailing, however. It has been reported that Kane’s wife and family have not joined him in Germany, choosing to remain in England instead. This may prove to be emotionally difficult for him and could show through in his on-pitch performance over time.
Whilst Kane has been playing well in the Bundesliga, the Champions League represents something different. Better teams, higher pressure, and an intense desire to win among all squads in the competition. It is now Kane’s time to shine. It is his time to lead Bayern Munich through the Champions League and most importantly, to victory over Manchester United and eventually, be crowned the champions of Europe.
