Cavani reveals past United link

Our no.7 took time out to reflect on his illustrious playing career and revealed how he was close to becoming a Red many moons ago as transfer speculation swirled around his future during his spell with Italian club Palermo.

"(Smiles) Just imagine it! I can’t remember exactly what happened. I do remember there was talk about one or two different teams, but hey, if I’d had that opportunity [to join United], I would have taken it, of course I would, without giving it a second thought," he declared.

"I don’t remember definitively if that was the case. But what I do remember is that I was due to travel to the World Cup in South Africa, and during that tournament, I had a conversation with Napoli, and well, told them if they had faith in me and wanted me to go there, trust and confidence are worth a lot to me, and so I made my decision and after Palermo I made the move to Napoli."

 

Cavani went on to join Napoli before heading to France to become Paris Saint-Germain's all-time top scorer during a memorable seven-year spell.

During his recent chat with Inside United, he recalled playing alongside the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and a possible opponent for us on Thursday night in Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“Yes, I’ve been lucky enough to have played alongside some great footballers. And when you do play with top players, it allows you to grow and improve,” he explained. “I’ve always had that desire to improve and develop my game, and to take things from one player or another. If I were to start listing each of their attributes, I reckon it would be an awfully long interview because they all have their own individual qualities.

“You had a player like Zlatan who was highly competitive. He was always up for the fight and he really hated to lose. None of us like losing but he has always shown that even more than most, through his character and how he is. I played with Ney also, as well as with Kylian. Everyone knows about Ney, don’t they… he has magic in his feet. Kylian has huge skill and technique as well as great pace. They are really top-class players.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has discussed the importance of Cavani's influence on United's young strikers and the man himself says he is always willing to pass on any beneficial advice in whatever form helps best.

“Honestly speaking, I don’t really like to just give out advice. I’m just here to do my absolute best and to support this team and to leave everything I have out on the field, whether that’s in a game or a training session,” he adds.

“Then, if a young player comes up and asks me something or they see me do things during a training session that they’d like to incorporate into their game, then that’s great. I believe that there are lessons all around you, not just from players in your own position. You can always take the best bits from someone else and see if they work for you in your own game.

“If they want to take something I say or do on board and take it as an example to use in their future development, then I’d be very happy, because it’s important to leave something positive behind.”

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY?

We'll bring you updates from the Aon Training Complex later as we cover the team's training session in the build-up to Thursday's Europa League last 16, second-leg clash against AC Milan. Look out for exclusive footage and photos from Tuesday's workout.

We'll also have the latest build-up to the big match this week, via our match preview, and look out for other player articles later today.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY?

We looked back on Sunday's hard-fought win over West Ham and reserved special praise for Mason Greenwood, captain Harry Maguire and arguably the best left-back in the country, Luke Shaw.

We also brought you news of two April fixture changes with match dates and kick-off times confirmed for our home league clash with Brighton & Hove Albion and our away trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

And if you missed our Tunnel Insider video from Sunday's 1-0 victory, check it out now.