Former Manchester United youth team graduate Luke Chadwick has been discussing Harry Kane after the Tottenham striker has appeared to have gone AWOL – refusing to show up for training the last two days.
As someone who had a long career in the game, Chadwick knows a thing or two about transferring from club to club. He represented 10 different clubs throughout his career which began at the famous Cliff training ground.
The Cliff saw hundreds of talent players come through and although Chadwick only made approximately 25 appearances for the United first team, we value his opinion on football matters.
Speaking exclusively to Caught Offside, he explains how a situation involving a gentleman’s agreement can get “messy”, with Tottenham holding a stern stance over the striker’s future.
On the topic of United being interested in Kane, who appears destined for a Spurs stay or exit for Man City, Chadwick said: “I think the profile of the player United are looking for – obviously Kane would be a huge signing, but I think maybe they are waiting for Erling Haaland.
“It looks like the investments they’ve made in Varane and Sancho maybe show that they’re not looking for a striker this year. I can’t see Kane going to United, there doesn’t seem to be much whispering about it at the moment, I think he’s got his heart set on playing under Pep Guardiola. Next season he’d be another year older, so I think United would be looking for a younger striker.
“They’ve kept Edinson Cavani for another year and that could pave the way for Haaland to come in next summer – he’s a younger player, an incredible goal-scorer, and I think that’s the one that more fits the United mould more than Harry Kane.
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“Even if we have to wait a year, I think he’s worth the wait. Him, Kane and Mbappe are the three main players on the market who can really make a difference and score the goals to win the title for this team. I can’t see Mbappe coming to United, Kane’s heart’s set on City, so Haaland looks like the one. I think it’s worth waiting 12 months if they can get him through the door.”
The Borussia Dortmund striker would definitely be my pick — if it was a choice between Kane and Erling Haaland. This is Europe’s most wanted striker we are talking about, and with Edinson Cavani signed up for at least another year we can bide some time after already adding two quality additions to the squad this summer.
Sadly, however, that would mean dealing with Mino Raiola again but I think most clubs would bite the bullet to sign the Norwegian goal machine.
Chadwick also added insight on his time at United – if he’s ever witnessed a player going AWOL against Sir Alex Ferguson. You won’t be surprised to hear how the Scot was able to avoid such situations the majority of the time.
“Not that I can remember!” he continued. “At the time it was a bit different, player power is probably higher now than it was then.
“The whole culture and the ethos at Manchester United, and with Sir Alex Ferguson in charge, there weren’t a lot of people in my time at the club who stepped out of line. It was never usually the players’ decision to move on, it would be the club and the manager who decided.”
