Why Cavani could be even better next season
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Edinson Cavani will be in an even better position to make an impact for Manchester United next season, after the Uruguayan signed an extension to his deal earlier this week.
The 34-year-old forward will remain with the club until at least June 2022 and he will be looking to build on a positive first campaign which has seen him score 15 times in 36 appearances, at a rate of a goal every 125 minutes.
That significant contribution, which has helped United to a European final and second place in the Premier League, is even more impressive when a lack of gametime prior to his move in early October is taken into account - Cavani hadn’t kicked a ball since his last game for Paris Saint-Germain in early March, prior to the first lockdown.
Ole’s press conference to preview Liverpool (H)
Solskjaer discusses Maguire and Cavani, ahead of our rearranged game against the Merseysiders…
Ole pointed out that, after the Copa America, the striker will have a full summer of preparation this time around, which should help him put together greater periods of consistency, like the spell we’ve seen since the last international break, with Edi hitting eight goals in 10 games.
“Well, I think we’ve seen the last few months what we can expect and what we’ve wanted from him,” Solskjaer told reporters.
“Next season, he’ll come ready. He’ll be fit when he comes pre-season.
“This year, he had seven months of no football to catch up and that’s not easy – he’s had a couple of niggles because of that.”
Watch all 17 of Cavani's goals for United
Watch all 17 goals scored by El Matador in his debut season, starting at Goodison Park and ending in Gdansk...
Solskjaer has praised Cavani’s work ethic and attitude throughout the season and highlighted that professionalism once again, while ranking the former Napoli and Palermo man as among the best in the business.
“He comes in every day, he does everything right," said Ole.
“The boys will look at him. He gives us a no.9 position.
“I don’t know how many games we’ll get out of him but, of course, he’s one of the best no.9s in the world at the moment.”