Edinson Cavani’s father has revealed that the United striker is “not comfortable” living in England, and he expects the striker to return to South America after the end of the Premier League season – leaving Manchester United with a puzzle to solve with his replacement.
In an interview with Argentine network TyC Sports, Luis Cavani said that although the striker has been received very well in Europe, “he does not feel comfortable where he is” and that his family is “very anxious” about his current situation. He went on to say that “there is a 60% chance that Edinson will come to South America” and touted Boca Juniors as one of the potential clubs he could go to.
Although Cavani posted a photograph of him celebrating for United with the caption “proud to wear this shirt”, he did no more to contradict his father. Although he enjoys playing for United, the sentiment seems to be that he would prefer to return to South America. If Cavani was to leave, it would leave Manchester United in quick and pretty desperate need of a replacement. It is clear they have the funds to acquire one, the only question is: who would they go for?
Cavani himself was brought in during the summer to operate in a similar birth to Zlatan Ibrahimović and Odion Ighalo – to play as a traditional number nine when United needed one. But the inconsistency of Anthony Martial has meant Cavani has played the majority of United’s games this season and it is clear that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs an out-and-out quality striker if he wants to keep his side competitive in the league.
If Solskjaer wants another older striker, one who might not be pressing to play every single game, they could look at bringing Cavani’s Uruguayan team-mate Luis Suarez to Old Trafford. If United fans and Suarez himself can be persuaded to overlook his old Merseyside loyalties, he would be an ideal replacement for Cavani and a fantastic striker to start every other game or bring off the bench.
But if United are instead in the market for a ‘9’ who could play every game for them, perhaps one with the talent to win titles, then there is one obvious answer that all United fans will undoubtedly be looking at: Erling Haaland.
The young Norwegian has made the step up to the Bundesliga, but he has not slowed down. In the Champions League round-of-16 tie game against Sevilla, Haaland scored two and in doing so broke Harry Kane’s record for the fewest games to score 20 Champions League goals. Harry Kane did it in 24 – Haaland did it in 14. He has pace, vision, strength, finishing, awareness – anything and everything a top striker needs. With Rashford and Fernandes feeding him, Haaland could only be a success for a United.
What is better is that he has already had discussions with United and compatriot Solskjaer, and a potential agreement may already be in place. If United need a replacement, there is nobody better. But they might need to fight off competition from across Manchester, as reports circulate that Guardiola’s city might be looking pick up Haaland with Sergio Aguero’s departure seemingly imminent.
Elsewhere, why Gareth Bale’s return to form could see a permanent deal made.
