Pranav Nair
Manchester United News: Solskjaer confirms that Edinson Cavani asked to start on the bench against Burnley
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Edinson Cavani asked to start the match against Burnley on the bench.
With Anthony Martial also out, Marcus Rashford returned to the starting line-up to lead the line for the Red Devils.
Cavani has struggled with injuries of late and his decision to start on the bench was influenced by just that. Still not at full strength, the Uruguayan was well within his rights to demand so.
Solskjaer too stressed on the need to make use of his veteran star judiciously. With Marcus Rashford also facing issues with injuries, it is imperative that we do not overexert our players.
“We’ve got to manage him well. He’s not played or started three games in a week for a long time, so when I spoke to him he felt being a sub was the best thing.”
Cavani played in United’s last two games against Granada and Tottenham Hotspur, scoring in both of them. He came on at half-time against Burnley and continued his mean streak by netting his third goal in as many games. (h/t Transfermarkt)
With 10 goals and two assists in 31 games, Cavani has fulfilled his role as a backup striker to great effect. Moreover, both he and Mason Greenwood appear to be hitting top form at the right moment.
United have a number of key games coming up next. The mammoth clash against Liverpool is sandwiched between the Europa League semifinal tie against Roma and Solskjaer will need to ensure his squad is properly rotated.
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Cavani’s future at United is far from assured. The 34-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the campaign and a decision is yet to be made. His current run of form shows exactly what he can offer us ahead of next season.
