Thomas Tuchel, Happy to Get Harry Kane's Signature for Munich

Harry Kane is now Bayern Munich's mainstay on the front lines. (photo: twitter @HKane)

JAKARTA - Bayern Munich manager, Thomas Tuchel, said that success in persuading Harry Kane to join the Bavarian club was "a big thing". He firmly believes this will help the team to continue to "shine" this season.

While seeking a new challenge away from Tottenham, many expect that Manchester United may be Kane's destination this summer. However, the team that United will face in the opening match of Group A of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday or Thursday morning WIB, is the one that managed to get Kane's signature. Tuchel couldn't hide his happiness.

"It's a big thing, we took the England captain from England, from the Premier League, it's a big thing, a big transfer, we're very happy," Tuchel said ahead of the Group A match against United at the Allianz Arena.

"Everyone who is looking for a number 9 striker will definitely be happy to have Harry in their team. He makes your team better. He gives you what you expect from a number 9, personality, goals, quality," he said, quoted by eurosport.com

"Everyone wants to have him and I'm not sure what happens at other clubs, but we are happy that he finally made the decision to join us and make us better," added Tuchel.

"He will always be the difference in every game. Not just in big games. Not just by scoring goals. He gives us a lot of personality. With time, he will make the players around him better. He will learn how to make them shine." he said.

Bayern Munich and Manchester United have a long history of meeting in European competitions. The most phenomenal duel occurred in the Champions League final in 1999. Bayern were leading 1-0 at the Nou Camp when injury time entered, but goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were able to win the trophy for Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

Tuchel knows the importance of this match for both clubs as they look to deliver an early blow in Group A.

"I really think Bayern Munich against Manchester United is a big game. Two big European clubs facing each other in the Champions League. We are proud to be part of it and we want to play our part so the fans can enjoy it," said Tuchel.

Recalling the dramatic turnaround in 1999, Tuchel said: "Bayern had many chances to make it 2-0 and then two set-piece situations changed the game. I have no words.

"This match was truly special and everyone who was at this match will never forget it. Bayern did everything to win the match. It created the desire to change everything and lead them to win the Champions League two years later, even though that time was very painful for everyone people involved."

Meanwhile, the glory days under Ferguson seem to be a distant memory for United fans. They even have suffered in the last few seasons with less than satisfactory performance.

The start to this season's campaign was less than satisfactory as MU was only able to win just two of their five Premier League matches. They even received boos from some fans during their 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton last weekend.

"There is always a lot of noise around Manchester United. Many experts in England come from Manchester United. You have the legacy of Alex Ferguson which creates expectations around the club," said Tuchel.

"We all, me at Bayern and my colleagues at Man Utd, want to achieve the same things. It's quite common at Man Utd that small things become a little bigger or the conversation becomes a little louder," he said.

"From what I know, they have a training environment where players can grow. That is what we do, to instill principles and rules to create a winning culture," he explained.

"For me, it's very clear to see the way I see Man Utd playing. The results may not [show it] but it's a team full of quality and we will never take it for granted," he said.

In contrast at the start of this season, Bayern Munich is unbeaten in the Bundesliga with three wins from four matches. They dropped points for the first time last weekend in their draw against Bayer Leverkusen.

But this match will be a little different for the German champions as Tuchel is banned from the touchline after being sent off in last season's Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City.

"I don't know how it will all end. I know I can go to the stadium with the team but not be with them in the stadium until 15 minutes after the game ends," he said.

"I think there will be a lounge where I will be able to watch the game. It's not great but that's the way it is. We have a strong coaching staff and my assistant coaches will definitely do their job. I will try to provide energy from the stands too," he said.