The famous number seven jersey may sit on the back of Edinson Cavani’s shirt at Manchester United but he’s a forward more in the ilk of a Denis Law rather than that of a flamboyant wide player like a George Best.

Essentially the Uruguayan is more of a number nine, a central striker,

In fairness that’s what Man United needed when they brought the experienced marksman to the club back in the summer.

Many seen it as a bit of a panic buy but as I said at the time, given a proper chance he’d soon change people’s minds and become a valuable asset for the Red Devils.

Now we’re in February it’s plain for everyone to see that the signing has been successful and that’s because the thirty-three year old has proven himself as the best centre forward at the club.

I’m a huge fan of both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford but they don’t give you the same impact as Edinson.

Martial just hasn’t been consistent enough playing through the middle. I think the arrival of Cavani laid a gauntlet down to the French forward and he hasn’t responded in the best fashion. Maybe Anthony can make that right wing spot his own between now and the end of the season.

Rashford has shown that he’s probably more suited to coming in off the left wing, than starting as the club’s main striker. Marcus has grabbed eight Premier League goals so far this term and six of those have come when he’s been on the left flank. He gets involved in the game more from that position and he does seem to be a player that flourishes the more he sees the ball at his feet.

I believe that youngster Mason Greenwood is still too raw to be considered as the team’s main forward on a consistent basis.

Cavani gives Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer some much needed experience up top. He’s a player that regularly gets into double figures with his seasonal goal tally.

The hitman gives United a focal point up-front. He battles away, wins headers, presses defences and makes intelligent runs. He may be entering his mid thirties but he’s still extremely fit and always raring to go and getting into dangerous positions.

Edinson has made fifteen league appearances for Man Utd, six starts, and he has had a strong goal return of five and two assists. He has proven that he can handle the rigours of England’s top flight and just seems to get better with the more game time he gets.

It’s getting to the stage that Solskjaer just can’t really afford to leave Cavani out of his starting line-up.

After scoring in his side’s recent wonderful 9-0 victory over Southampton (BBC Match Report), Cavani picked up a knock. Ole will be delighted that that injury has been shrugged off as he’s ready to face Everton tonight (Source ManUtd.com).

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also talked about the Uruguayan’s growing influence around the young forwards, comparing him to former United striker Teddy Sheringham:

“Teddy came in 1997 with his experience and I learnt a lot from him. I think he [Edinson Cavani] has come in and almost been a similar type of influence,” 

“We were young strikers learning off Teddy, now Cavani has Mason, Marcus and Anthony learning off him. Edinson has been a great addition.”

Via Skysports.com

All in all, I just can’t see Edinson Cavani not getting the nod as Manchester United’s go to man to start up-front for the rest of this term. They simply look more dangerous and balanced with the experienced goal getter leading the line!

Posted on February 6th, 2021 by scott
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