Rio Ferdinand has been helping TNT Sports promote their Champions League coverage for the new season.
In a tease releaser this week, Ferdinand speaks about Manchester United’s Champions League group stage opener against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Ferdinand believes Bayern striker Harry Kane will have “the bit between his teeth” when he faces the Reds in the Champions League.
It was no secret among our sources that Erik ten Hag initially listed Harry Kane as a primary target in the summer, but then United went a different route by signing some of the manager’s primary targets in other positions.
Towards the start of the Premier League campaign they finally wrapped up a deal for a new striker, with Rasmus Hojlund arriving from Atalanta.
Hojlund is expected to get his second start for United against Bayern and we’ll be hoping it’s our centre-forward who grabs the headlines.
Kane would eventually get his wish to leave Tottenham and join Bayern Munich, but I would still argue he’d have preferred a move to Old Trafford in the summer.
Ahead of the game at the Allianz Arena, Ferdinand told TNT Sports: “I can’t wait. Look at the clubs. Two clubs with huge history.
“The backdrop of Harry Kane being there as well, the England captain, someone who a lot of Man United fans would have wanted to come and wear the United shirt. He’s a phenomenal player, his record speaks for itself.
“Champions League football, he’s been there, he’s produced before, he’s been to a final [in 2019] but never won it. He hasn’t got his hands on any silverware, so the bit will be between his teeth.
“I don’t think there will be anyone in the Man United dressing room taking him for granted or being complacent.”
"I can't wait to see it. I can't wait to smell it."@rioferdy5 previews the Champions League battle between Bayern Munich and Man United which will be live on TNT Sports on Wednesday ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/8SxsXvFfyy
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 18, 2023
Ferdinand went on to admit it will be difficult for United to get a result in Bavaria.
“There are some great players in that Bayern Munich team, they have got great pedigree,” he added. “Man United are back in the competition where they want to be.
“It’s a tough ask, away to Bayern Munich, no matter what year you go there, what team they’ve got. They will give you a tough, tough game. It will be interesting to see how it goes.”
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