Thursday night’s extraordinary public courting by Manchester United fans was certainly heard by Harry Kane. They sang “Harry Kane… we’ll see you in June” at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium about 30 minutes into the game, elevating a much-discussed narrative to new heights.
At his Wednesday press conference, Erik ten Hag was effusive in his praise for Harry Kane. The United manager’s top priority is a new center forward, and he would love to acquire the England captain. But how often do thousands of supporters express to a player during a game their desire for him to join their club?
Several brief observations. Even though Kane’s contract expires in June of next year, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is adamantly opposed to selling the player this summer. United is wary of engaging with Levy and is opposed to a lengthy summer pursuit. Kane has said nothing about a contract extension with the Spurs and plans to evaluate his situation at the end of the season.
Kane stated regarding the United supporters’ refrain, “I heard what they were saying,” “However, I am merely concentrating on this team and attempting to finish [the season] strongly.”
On one level, Kane must have been pleased to hear it. Everyone enjoys feeling desired and respected. On the other hand, it may have heightened the sensitivity of Kane’s situation. He has dedicated his entire professional career to Spurs, whom he adores. Nonetheless, as he approaches his 30th birthday in July, he wants to compete at the Champions League level and have a chance to eventually win a trophy.
Can Kane achieve this for the Spurs?
The evidence of this season is unequivocally negative. But can he escape? Two summers ago, when Manchester City attempted to recruit him, he was prevented from doing so. Even though his contract is now significantly shorter, there is no indication that he will be granted a transfer.
Kane could be excused for heaving a sigh in response to the United supporters’ chant, which was intended in part to mock the home crowd. The spurs were losing 1-0 and were being dominated. They appeared timid as they dropped off United and invited them to play. Although Spurs created a few opportunities, they conceded many more, and the score could have been much worse than 2-0 at halftime.
The South Stand chanted anti-Levy chants and booed at the halftime siren, but the general atmosphere was one of resignation. Spurs were at another low ebb, though not as low as during last Sunday’s 6-1 thrashing at Newcastle, the nadir of a crisis that had been brewing for weeks, which Kane traced back to the 3-3 draw at Southampton on 18 March, when they were 3-1 up. When the squad conceded two late goals, Antonio Conte criticized the players in public.
Since then, we have had the home fans abuse one of their players (Davinson Sánchez in the 3-2 loss to Bournemouth); the departure of the managing director of football, Fabio Paratici, due to the financial scandal at his previous club, Juventus; the replacement of one interim manager with another (Cristian Stellini out, Ryan Mason in); and the stalling of the push for a top-four finish.
Following the defeat against Newcastle, the players felt compelled to reimburse the traveling supporters for the cost of their tickets.
All of these factors made what transpired in the second half against United so remarkable, the comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw was such a display of character and teamwork, with no one concealing. The home audience had not gotten on the players’ backs during the first half, nor did they react negatively to United’s opening goal. Their objective was Levy. As soon as Spurs took the initiative after halftime, the supporters had something to cheer for, and they did. Spurs rallied back with goals from Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min, as Kane excelled.
Kane stated, “I thought the fans were incredible.” “They aided us tremendously in the second half. The crowd roaring showed the character and tenacity we need to finish the season.
Kane reported that the locker room was “quite calm” at halftime. Mason altered Tottenham’s plan to limit United’s midfield’s possession and improve Spurs’ position.
The true reset occurred on Monday morning when Levy called a meeting with the senior players to clear the air. He had already decided to fire Stellini and hire Mason in his stead.
The discussions with Kane, Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier, and Pierre-Emile Hjbjerg aimed to put an end to the pandemonium.
Kane stated, “The chairman asked for a meeting.” “It was crucial for him to comprehend the mental state of the athletes. It wasn’t just the result in Newcastle. Since we allowed two goals against Southampton, tensions had been mounting.
“It was an open discussion about where everyone is and what we need to do to give ourselves the best chance of finishing the season with something.” We are still vying for fourth place, but if we fall short, we will aim for fifth or sixth. It is so competitive in this division that you can easily finish eighth or ninth if you are not careful. It was to give us the best possible opportunity.”
Sunday, Spurs travel to Liverpool, where faith and courage will once again be required. At the very least, they appear to have recovered a platform.
