Harry Kane scored his first Champions League goal for Bayern Munich as they beat a depleted Manchester United 4-3 in their Group A opener, with three goals in the final six minutes.
The build-up to a famous European tie had focused on Kane’s past transfer links to Man Utd, although the England captain maintained Bayern was always the right destination for him after leaving Tottenham.
But there was still a sliver of irony as he dispatched from the penalty spot for his first Champions League goal for the German side, given after a chaotic and controversial VAR review for a Christian Eriksen handball.
It came shortly after Rasmus Hojlund’s first Manchester United goal (49), which was taken well by the 20-year-old on his own European debut for his new club.
The game looked to be heading towards a comfortable 3-1 win for Bayern, but a topsy turvy final six minutes showed Man Utd have some fight left in them yet. Casemiro (88, 90+5) scored twice, either side of a Mathys Tel fourth for the hosts.
The signs of life will be welcome after – as has often been the case this season – Man Utd created their own problems in defence in the first half. They have now have conceded three or more goals in three consecutive games in all competitions for the first time since December 1978.
It was an Andre Onana howler that saw Leroy Sane (28) open for Bayern, before a fine Serge Gnabry (32) finish doubled the hosts’ lead.
In an honest interview with TNT Sport, Onana owned up to his mistake, saying: “The team was really good but it was because of me we didn’t win this game.
“I have a lot to prove. My start in Manchester has not been good or how I want. The way I played today was one of my worst games.
“It’s difficult as we are a big club who wants to win everything. It was a good opportunity to bounce back after the situation we are facing – it’s a tough time, we have to be together and continue to work hard.”
The Bundesliga champions go top of Group A after Galatasaray and Copenhagen drew 2-2 earlier on Wednesday. Man Utd sit bottom of the group after one game.
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