Rangnick: What I’ve told Cavani

A tendon complaint had kept the 34-year-old sidelined for the German’s first three matches in charge, but our no.21 has since been able to work his way back up to full fitness and featured under Rangnick for the first time last week. 

Cavani returned to the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw at Newcastle, coming off the bench to net our equaliser at St James’ Park before his contribution was rewarded with a start in our victory over Burnley last time out.

In a press conference to preview our upcoming game against Wolves on Monday 3 January, Ralf was asked about the Uruguayan’s future at United, amid the opening of the winter transfer window. 

The forward’s contract at the club expires in the summer and Rangnick hopes that Edinson will be a key figure in his side for the remainder of the season.

“We have had quite a few conversations over the last couple of weeks,” the German told journalists.

“I told him from the very first day he is a highly important player, he is probably the only one who can play as a striker [with his] back to goal and face to goal. 

“And as I said, his professionalism and his work ethic is just amazing. I told him I desperately want him to stay and stay until the end of the season, and he knows that. 

“He also knows how highly I rate him and how highly I respect him. That was also the reason why I played him today (Thursday v Burnley) from the beginning, together with Cristiano [Ronaldo].”

Rangnick went on to expand on those conversations while speaking about the importance of having good squad depth as we enter the second half of the season.

The Reds will play in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the first half of 2022 and with the implications that COVID could have on the camp at any time, the boss is determined to have as many options to chose from in the months ahead, with one of those being Cavani.

“We spoke about Edi, and he knows that I will definitely not let him go," Ralf said.

“For me he is a highly important player for the rest of the season, [we're] still playing in three competitions so we will definitely need Edi.

“I would rather have another Edi on top of that but for me it is clear Edi has to stay."

He added: “With regards to the other players, yes our squad is maybe a little bit too big with regards to numbers, but we still have COVID [to be wary of].

“We have three competitions, and we could do with a bigger squad maybe than in times without COVID.”