Manchester United beat plenty of competition to secure the services of Edinson Cavani last summer, but it looks like it could be a short stay for the Uruguayan.
With Cavani’s future at Old Trafford in doubt, plans will be in place on who United will look to to lead the line next season.
Father Tips South America Return
Reports have revealed Cavani’s father Luis has stated he expects this son to leave the Red Devils this summer and move back to South America. Rumours have been circulating the former PSG striker, who penned a one-year deal at United, could be on his way to Boca Juniors in Argentina.
Despite some injury setbacks, Cavani has chipped in with important goals this season for United, who are 8/13 in the football betting to finish in the Premier League’s top two. The Uruguayan has a wealth of experience and has been able to pass on his knowledge to the youthful forwards at United. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood could do far worse than be influenced by a player such as Cavani.
Cavani has tried to play down the reports of a departure, as he took to social media to state he was “proud to wear this shirt”. While that might well be the case, it was not a statement of intent to extend his stay beyond his current 12-month contract. Cavani has proven at 34 years old he can compete in the Premier League, but the writing might be on the wall of a departure from United this summer, unless the club can or want to convince him otherwise.
Who Will Lead the Line?
United have looked to veteran forwards in recent years to fill the void in that central attacking role. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was another example of an experienced forward who came to United, and Cavani has been in a similar mould. United have a wealth of young attacking talent, but Rashford, Martial and Greenwood all seem to prefer working in the wider channels. What United needs is a central figure.
One player who United have been strongly linked with is the man of the moment Erling Haaland, who continues to impress at Borussia Dortmund. The fearless 20-year-old is one of the hottest properties in Europe at the moment, with plenty of giants on the continent monitoring the Norwegian starlet.
Haaland looks like he would be the perfect fit at United, with his power, pace and clever positioning having the potential to complete the Red Devils’ attacking lineup. With Haaland in the ranks, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could have a side ready to topple their rivals next season and win the Premier League crown.
Of course, the future of Haaland and Cavani is very much unclear at this stage, and it looks set to be an intriguing summer. If Cavani can chip in with a few more goals and help United keep pressure on frontrunners Manchester City, it can be seen as a positive stint for the veteran at Old Trafford, even if it is short-lived.
