As expected, much of the focus was on Harry Kane this match week and the news which broke out days before. Both Manchester United and Manchester City managers were quizzed about their clubs’ links to the Englishman, who has reportedly asked to leave Spurs this summer.
The Norwegian faced the question from the media on the night his team secured the second spot in the league. United drew their match against Fulham with Edinson Cavani – another striker in the spotlight – scoring the Red Devil’s only goal of the game. When asked about whether United would be signing a striker this summer – Solskjaer surprisingly did not deny it. Instead, he said that the club will always look to better their squad for the future.
“Yeah, Edi (Cavani) signed but how many good strikers have we had at this club? And I can’t say we’re not signing a striker, of course not because we’re building towards a better squad,”
Solskjaer said.
“We’re top three two years on the bounce but we’re still nowhere near where we want to be. Hopefully, we’ll end up with a stronger squad at the start of next season and be more consistent and challenge the ones in front of us.”
However, former Man Utd striker stopped short of declaring an interest in Kane openly – as is the protocol. He said that he would prefer not to talk about players of other teams out of respect.
“I can’t comment on other teams’ players and what’s been speculated and said. I want to show the respect Tottenham deserves and not talk about their players.”
Pep Guardiola saw Brighton beat his team 3-2 on Tuesday night, with the Seagulls staging a comeback from two goals down. However, after the match, the focus was on Kane, with the Spaniard asked to comment on the speculation. City, it is reported, have had inquiries regarding the England international in the past turned down. They require a striker for next season, with Sergio Aguero leaving the club.
Nonetheless, Guardiola’s response was simple:
“Next question, please. He’s a Tottenham Hotspur player.”
Kane’s numbers this season alone justify any club’s decision to spend big money on him. The Englishman is the Premier League’s top scorer and top assist provider and could become the first player in league history to win both the golden boot and the best playmaker award.
He has almost single-handedly led Tottenham’s trophy charge during the campaign. He has scored 32 goals across all competitions and supplied 16 assists, bringing his total contributions to 48 from 47 matches.
