Ralf Rangnick stance on increasing Edinson Cavani absence for Manchester United

Ralf Rangnick has given his thoughts regarding the increasing absence of Edinson Cavani for Manchester United. The centre-forward has picked up yet another injury problem which will keep him on the sidelines for the game against Brighton and Hove Albion later today in the Premier League.

Cavani is out on the stands with a groin issue, adding to the list of reasons that have kept him out of the first-team picture this season. He was also off for two days earlier this month, which saw him miss the FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough. And that comes after his eight-week leave following Uruguay’s Copa America campaign last year.

Speaking in the pre-match presser (h/t Manchester Evening News), Rangnick expressed that he feels no frustration with the ex-Napoli striker and his lack of availability. He added that the club would test the issue if a player wants to withdraw from the team in the build-up to a match.

“It’s always sad if you have players not available, no matter if it’s Edinson or other players, if they are injured, they are injured. “

“If a player says he’s not available because he’s injured, we do a scan and we realise there’s an injury, even if it’s a minor muscle injury, if the player says he cannot fully sprint it doesn’t make sense to put him into the squad. I think he’s old enough to know if his body is ready to play or not.”

Fair point

It is understandable why some of the fans are getting tired of the 35-year-old due to his lack of availability. The club staff wasn’t best pleased with Cavani’s habit of declaring him unfit last season as well. However, it would not make sense to question his commitment to the team, which is emphasised by the German coach as well.

The striker gave it his all on the pitch last season and was a constant threat for us from the bench. Those who have followed his career would appreciate his work rate and engine. This may just be a case of unfortunate events robbing Cavani of regular playing time at Old Trafford.

At 35, he is not getting any younger and his body may not be as fit as it used to be during his prime years in Italy and France. With his contract running out this summer, this season could be the last we see of Cavani in our famous red shirt.

It makes no sense for him to act unprofessionally and miss games to tarnish his rapport with our fans. If he is to leave in the summer, playing regularly for us to impress any potential suitor also works in his own best interest.

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Hopefully, until then, Cavani can give us a few more moments to cherish and remember. We are still fighting for a top four spot in the PL and are in the UEFA Champions League’s last-16 stage.