Enter the viking as Cavani could make debut
When Manchester United drew Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described the French side's leading marksman Edinson Cavani as a 'viking' and a 'warrior'.
The Uruguayan had to spend time in quarantine when arriving from France but, since hitting the Aon Training Complex, has impressed everybody with his ferocious work-rate and appetite.
Already fit, his desire to get to the level where he can be available for selection has been clearly evident - as has his determination to make sure he is in the required shape to have his usual impact in attack.
A decision has still to be made but Edinson is in the frame to make his debut in the home game with Chelsea.
"He might be ready for the squad as well for this weekend," Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told us, when we enquired about the master marksman. "He’s been training hard and been training well.
“He’s very meticulous. He knows what he wants, and he knows what he needs, and he’s been asking for special things. He wants to tick the boxes before he feels ready for the games and that’s the sign of a top professional.
“I think he’ll be available for the weekend.
"I know he’s past 30," added the boss during his conversation with MUTV's Stewart Gardner. "But he’s still fit and he’s still lean. It was just the sharpness he needed and you can see his movement is clever.
“He’s been around and played, and the desire and hunger to play football is great to see. He’s a proper centre-forward."
Team news for Chelsea encounter
ArticleSolskjaer provides a full update on his squad, including the latest on Maguire, Lingard, Greenwood and Cavani.
There could be a reunion for Cavani with his former PSG colleague Thiago Silva, who may well be marking the no.7 if he gets some game-time.
Two legendary figures doing battle would be something to behold.
"It’ll be lovely to meet up with him again," our new signing told us in his first big interview after joining the club. "Thiago is very professional in the way he works so hard in training and in his preparation for games.
“And well, it won’t be easy! It’ll be tough because he’s a very good central defender and an excellent footballer too. But that will be a nice experience as well."
It is just a shame Old Trafford will not be full to witness Cavani, if he does feature against the Blues at some stage. Both for the supporters and the player.
Nonetheless, there is genuine excitement at seeing what the South American striker can bring to the Premier League. Whether you want to describe him as a viking, warrior or even 'The Matador' as he has been dubbed, let's hope he grabs the bull by the horns - starting on Saturday.
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