Andy Cole warns Louis van Gaal off United move for Harry Kane

Alam Khan - Reporter 10:31 16/06/2015
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  • Kane has been linked with United.

    Andy Cole says Karim Benzema should be Manchester United’s new striking spearhead because Harry Kane is a “baby” who could struggle under pressure.

    After bagging 31 goals in a dream season, the Spurs frontman is among Louis van Gaal’s summer transfer targets as he looks to boost his attack and build a side capable of winning the Premier League. But Old Trafford strike legend Cole fears for Kane, 21, and urged United to move for Real Madrid’s Benzema, or even try to lure Sergio Aguero away from neighbours Manchester City.

    “There’s talk of Harry Kane and he’s had a brilliant first season,” said Cole, who won five titles and a Champions League in six years at United. “But then can he come to Man United, and if it is true for £40 million (Dh228m), and bring to Man United what Man United need?

    “I think the kid’s talented. But we have to be honest, he’s had half a season where everything went for him – penalties at the keeper and rebounds are coming straight to his feet.

    “He’s scored some goals, but to take that leap, because your second season in the Premier League is always tough, for the money, and if it did happen, that’s a helluva lot of pressure. United need to compete in Europe and the championship as well. He’s a baby, still learning his trade.”

    Benzema’s future is in doubt at Real following Rafa Benitez’s arrival as coach and United may elect to use the French international as leverage in the anticipated transfer of David de Gea to Madrid.

    “I like him,” added Cole. “He’s a very good player and played at the highest level for numerous amount of years. He’s done it at international level and you look at that and say that could definitely work. Him and Wayne Rooney, yeah.”

    Cole and knows the pressure and scrutiny new big-money arrivals would be under.

    “Whoever comes to Man United as centre forward is going to be under a helluva lot of pressure. They need to get somewhere and if I was being cheeky, I would say I’d give you (City) £60m (Dh342m) for Aguero because Aguero, fit, is the best centre forward in the Premier League,” he added.

    “Fit, firing, he’s unbelievable. That’s what the fans want. If Man United have got £100-200m (Dh571m-1.14bn) to spend and there’s talk of Gareth Bale, then that’s what the fans want to see. That’s the X-Factor.

    “Man United have always been that kind of club, always want big-name players to come here and fans get buoyant about it.”

    Cole says fans also want more style from Van Gaal’s side next season as the Dutchman looks to deliver trophies.

    “I know they got the fourth place in the end and everyone is happy about that, but they need to kick on from that next season,” he added.

    “The history of the football club is about style, it’s about attacking teams. I think a lot of teams came to Old Trafford this season believing they could win.

    “The fear factor has gone. When United start winning more games and playing attacking football the fear factor will come back.”

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