TNT Sports
Harry Kane return will be 'fascinating' as Bayern Munich draw Manchester United in Champions League - Owen Hargreaves
By
Published 31/08/2023 at 21:07 GMT+1
The UEFA Champions League draw pitted together Bayern Munich and Manchester United in Group A meaning former Tottenham striker Harry Kane will be returning to England - and the club he was linked with. TNT Sports expert Owen Hargreaves described the matchup as "fascinating" and he also gives Newcastle hope of qualifying from the 'group of death' having been drawn with PSG, Dortmund and AC Milan.
Watch Champions League draw as Kane’s Bayern face Manchester United
Video credit: SNTV
TNT Sports expert Owen Hargreaves believes it will be “fascinating” to see Harry Kane return to England when Bayern Munich travel to Manchester United in Group A of the UEFA Champions League.
The Bundesliga champions being pitted together with Erik ten Hag’s side is one of the most interesting matchups that an intriguing Champions League draw threw up.
The giants were the first two pulled together from Group A but any potential for a ‘group of death’ was ended when the names of FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray were delivered.
The reunion of Kane, who was previously linked with a transfer to Old Trafford before joining Bayern Munich, with Manchester United adds a compelling subplot to the narrative.
“I think initially when you saw Bayern come out and then Man United I think you already thought group of death, but then obviously Copenhagen, Galatasaray…” said Hargreaves.
“Bayern and Man United will be the two big favourites. I think United have a good team but I think Bayern are going to be one of the favourites in this Champions League. But a really good draw.”
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2023/08/31/3775117-76792273-2560-1440.jpg)
'Bellingham's been absolutely on fire' - Owen Hargreaves previews Barca and Real's UCL chances
Video credit: TNT Sports
The former Manchester United midfielder continued: “It’ll be fascinating to see Harry Kane back in the UK.
“I’m sure they [Manchester United] would have loved to have had him but he probably cost a little bit too much.”
If Bayern are able to capture Scott McTominay - as speculation suggests - there could also be added spice in midfield.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is seemingly in charge of recruitment at Bayern following the departure of sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and CEO Oliver Kahn, and Hargreaves believes the former Chelsea boss has identified the Scotland midfielder as a solid addition to his squad.
Hargreaves said: "Well obviously with Hasan Salihamidzic and Oliver Kahn leaving I think there’s a little bit of a void there, and I think he’s probably using that to his strength.
"With his experience obviously of the Premier League, there’s certain players that he’s probably quite keen on, which I can understand. And yeah, he’s got a bit of power there right now and to be fair he’s got a great team.
"I think he’s a brilliant tactician, so I think they’ve got a really good blend and Harry Kane is the icing on the cake."
Group F has undoubtedly stolen the group of death title as Newcastle - making their first appearance in the Champions League in 20 years - have been drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
Hargreaves is not prepared to write off Eddie Howe's side and believes the team can use the atmosphere at St James' Park to create a shock.
Having lost Lionel Messi and Neymar in the summer transfer window, Hargreaves also hints that PSG are not as strong as they were.
"I think this could be a tricky season for PSG," said Hargreaves. "It's nice to see they're going to go with a lot of these talented young French players.
"But that feels like an incredibly even group. And I think if you're Newcastle, it's a difficult draw. But I think Newcastle under Eddie Howe, I think they can find some stuff to go anywhere and get a result. At home, that's one of the best atmospheres in football.
"I think they're going to be right up for this."
There will also be a reunion for Sandro Tonali as the Italian returns to San Siro for the first time since joining Newcastle from Milan in the summer.
Joleon Lescott said: "He obviously documented that he didn't want to leave. He probably wanted to avoid them in the competition.
"But like Owen said, it is a level group. I think all those teams will believe they will qualify. And there are some exciting games in that group for me."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2023/08/31/3775100-76791933-2560-1440.jpg)
'It's easy for City to stay motivated' - Lescott
Video credit: TNT Sports
Meanwhile, French football expert Julien Laurens thinks being handed such a tough draw for PSG could work in their favour as the Ligue 1 giants bid to win their first Champions League title.
He said: "I don't know, maybe it's good to start with tough games instead of having an easy group stage and then you get to the knockout stages and then you face bigger teams."
- - -
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement