Edi: Let's move forward
Manchester United’s Europa League final goalscorer Edinson Cavani has been left heartbroken by our defeat to Villarreal but is already looking ahead to the future.
Cavani became the oldest Red to net in a major European showpiece event, with the 34-year-old capitalising on a bit of pinball in the Yellows’ area to bring United level after 55 minutes in Gdansk.
The former Palermo, Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain has now scored an incredible 13 goals across 12 finals during his career, although he was unable to add to his tally of 10 wins, despite also tucking away his spot-kick in the shoot-out to take it to sudden death.
Highlights: Europa League final
It was a disappointing night in Gdansk, despite Cavani's goal and a marathon penalty shootout...
Having recently signed a new contract at Old Trafford, Cavani will at least have the chance to further improve that impressive record next season.
And focusing on what’s to come, despite the 2020/21 campaign ending in disappointing fashion, was Edi’s key message after the game.
“It breaks my heart, but the only way is to keep moving forward lads,” posted the Uruguayan on his social media accounts.
The man they call ‘El Matador’ has become something of a cult hero in M16 in recent months, finding the net 17 times in his first term with the club and social media was again full of praise for him last night.
Top pundit Gary Lineker – a man who knew all about scoring close-range goals during his illustrious career – Tweeted: “Once a poacher, always a poacher. Proper goal from the evergreen @ECavaniOfficial.”
Duele el alma, pero el único remedio es seguir adelante muchachos.
— Edi Cavani Official (@ECavaniOfficial) May 27, 2021
It breaks my heart, but the only way is to keep moving forward lads.@ManUtd pic.twitter.com/r7lCTjBmAP
Fans also jumped to credit Cavani for a display which also saw him regularly tracking back to win possession for his side:
@Jonty887: “At 34, Cavani still has lungs to keep running the entire length of the game. I think he was excellent if not phenomenal for Manchester United last night. Opinions may vary.”
@madarooy: “Cavani gave his all tonight. Sad to see him on the losing side.”
@Ehtsham02: “How many recoveries/interceptions did Cavani make last night, guy's work-rate is a joke man.”
Cavani’s final performance ensured he was nominated for the Europa League Player of the Week award, alongside all-action team-mate Scott McTominay and the Villarreal pair of Etienne Capoue and Gerard Moreno.