Manchester United's Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani reacts at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on November 1, 2020. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Daily Star (h/t Mirror), Edinson Cavani could be set to extend his Manchester United stint. The Old Trafford outfit want to extend the Uruguayan’s contract by another year, which was originally supposed to expire at the end of this season. It is said that the club want to keep off potential suitors and that both parties are keen on an extension.
For the entire summer window, United were left frustrated in their efforts to secure their preferred transfer targets. They went towards deadline day securing just the signing of Donny van de Beek. However, it was clear that a deal for Edinson Cavani was in the works and he was signed on deadline day.
Eyebrows were raised as Cavani was pretty much seen as a panic buy. He was a stark contrast to the young, potential filled players recruited by United over the last year or so. Nonetheless, United didn’t mind as they were getting a proven goalscorer for free. It was much like Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s signing 4 years ago.
It was puzzling to see Cavani sitting on the bench for most of the initial months. However, Solskjaer managed the situation well to ease him into the fold. Cavani scored his first in the league game against Everton.
However, his best showing came against Southampton when his team was down by 2 goals. He showed what United have been missing with his 2-goal blitz. It’s hard to think that a 33-year-old Edinson Cavani is Manchester United’s best player suited to the centre-forward role. His predatory instincts and movement were a contrast to United’s usual style of forward play.
Cavani has been a huge influence in the side and has shown that he can easily lead the line even at his age. His style of play will help the likes of Greenwood to learn. Even Anthony Martial cannot rest easy knowing that Cavani will be waiting to take his place if he falters.
In his short stay at the club so far, the Uruguayan has become a huge asset and a trump card for Solskjaer. He knows that Cavani cannot pull through 90+ minutes every week and has used him accordingly, and to good effect. The club are right in offering him an extension as he can prove to be an effective player for them.