Edinson Cavani, the prolific Uruguayan striker, has been a key player this season for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. His contributions in games have not gone unnoticed and the Norwegian manager will have been more than happy with his performances so far this season.
Considering that he signed for free, the 34-year-old striker has proved his worth. He has 19 appearances in the league so far and has scored 6 goals and provided 2 assists. His best performance would undoubtedly be the second-half brace he scored against Southampton in the Premier League at the St. Mary’s in United’s 2-3 comeback win.
The Uruguayan has certainly proved that he can play at the highest level even at his age and Man United fans and manager alike will be more than happy to keep him in the squad. It’s not only what he offers on the pitch, but his leadership skills and experience have helped with honing the skills of young forwards like Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will no doubt do everything he can to keep Cavani at Manchester.
However, recent reports suggest that Edinson Cavani could be on his way out of Old Trafford and join Argentinian giants Boca Juniors. Last month, Cavani’s father suggested that the striker is likely to leave United for Boca Juniors this summer and said that he is unsettled in Manchester. With recent comments from the manager and ex-United defender Marcos Rojo, it looks as if Edinson Cavani will be leaving for South America in the summer.
The question on most minds is, however, is the best move for all parties?
FOR CAVANI
Cavani will be a crucial player to any team he joins. Additionally, the intensity and pace of football is lesser as compared to the pulsating Premier League and European football in general. With Cavani’s increasing age, it is uncertain how long he can keep playing at this level. Uruguayan national team coach has advised Cavani to return to South America and has suggested that it would be beneficial for his role in the national team. The striker is said to love the Argentinian club and has always admired their fans and the passion.
FOR MANCHESTER UNITED
With respect to Manchester United, losing Cavani would indeed be a huge blow to them as losing him would mean losing experience and skills on and off the pitch too. However, it would also enable the manager to go looking for younger options, with the likes of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane linked to a sensational transfer to Man United. With Anthony Martial’s future also up in the air, there could be a couple of signings to bolster the forward line.
Jadon Sancho is one who United have been pursuing long and his signing could see Mason Greenwood promoted to the number 9 role. The young English talent has proved he is capable of playing that role and is one for the future.
FOR BOCA JUNIORS
Boca Juniors currently have a forward line that consists of Carlos Tevez, Mauro Zarate, and Franco Soldano who is on loan from Olympiakos. Adding Cavani to that squad will bolster their attacking options further and will make them a force to reckon with, considering that in 8 games so far, the three strikers have scored a combined 18 goals. The Uruguayan will add to their squad depth and will lead them to dominate the Argentinian Primeira Liga. This move would certainly benefit the club and Edinson Cavani is more than capable of striking a partnership with Argentinian legend Carlos Tevez.
VERDICT:
Manchester United will no doubt be hurt with Cavani leaving as he has been an important player in the squad for the manager. However, in a general view, this move could be the best move for all parties. With the Red Devils desperate to not miss out on the young star Erling Haaland and with Mason Greenwood waiting in the wings to take over the striker role, a contract extension for Edinson Cavani is unlikely and it seems certain that he will be leaving Old Trafford in the summer.
