Former Man Utd star backs ‘desperate’ summer signing to shine despite Harry Kane ‘mistake’

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes his old club made ‘a mistake’ by not pursuing a summer move for Harry Kane.

The England captain was believed to be one of several options under consideration by the Old Trafford hierarchy as they looked to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s options for the lead role in his attack after the likes of Anthony Martial and and loan signing Wout Weghorst struggled to find form last season.

There were numerous reports suggesting Kane would be allowed to depart from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer and United were consistently named as a possible suitor for the prolific striker. But it was Wednesday night’s Champions League opponents Bayern Munich that won the race for Kane and that left United to focus on their ultimately successful bid to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Berbatov, who scored 56 goals in 149 appearances during a four-year stay at Old Trafford, believes United should have moved for Kane ahead of the new season - but he insisted his old club now have a striker ‘desperate to score goals’ after completing a deal for Hojlund.

He told Betfair when asked about United’s summer business: “When we look back at all the talk of United getting Kane, you can say it was a mistake not to get him, but not the biggest because no player is bigger than the club.

“I don’t know why it didn’t happen, but it didn’t. Man United now have a young, hungry forward in Hojlund who will be desperate to score goals. Bayern Munich as a team are a machine. They are one of the favourites for the Champions League this season. Man United will find it difficult to play against them if they continue the way they have been playing recently.

“Unfortunately, based on how they’ve been doing and if they play anything like they have done so far this season, Man United will lose this game.”