Is Edinson Cavani Exactly What Manchester United Were Looking For?

New Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has made a good start to his career at Old Trafford, scoring three goals in his opening five matches for the Premier League side. After signing on a free transfer, Cavani could be the latest player to star in the club’s number seven shirt.

Although his goals have proved very important, his contribution to the team has been much more than that. The Uruguayan has settled very well into English football and the early signs suggest he is likely to relish playing in the Premier League.

United had no problems scoring goals last season. Their front three of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood were in hot form, particularly at the back end of the campaign. Cavani adds to what is an even more impressive front line and gives his manager a different option up front.

Cavani’s game is a lot different to the majority of his teammates, in particular Rashford and Martial whose games consist of a lot of pace. He is much more physical and has the ability to bully defenders on the pitch, while he is also a great threat in the air.

The former PSG man proved how big of a player he can be for United in a recent Premier League fixture over Southampton. Cavani came off the bench in the second half of that game when his side were losing 2-0. He scored two goals, including the winner, in what ended a 3-2 victory for Solskjaer men.

Cavani would have had several offers on the table when he was a free agent. He chose United as he wanted to continue playing at the highest level in Europe. The aim for Solskjaer this season will be to qualify for the Champions League, at the very least. They are 13/8 in the football betting for a top four finish. Their latest signing looks to have boosted their chances of finishing in one of those four Champions League spaces.

Cavani May Have the Ibrahimovic Effect

This is not the first time Manchester United have brought in a striker who is in the latter stage of their career. Zlatan Ibrahimovic proved to be an important player for them when he arrived in July on a one-year deal.

The Sweden international made a big impression in his first year at the club. He won the Europa League with United in that opening season. Ibrahimovic was then rewarded with a new contract which saw him stay in Manchester until 2018.

There were a few eyebrows raised when United signed the former Barcelona and Milan striker. He scored 28 goals in all competitions in the 2016-17 campaign, playing 46 matches, which silenced many of his critics.

United will be hoping Cavani can have a similar effect to Ibrahimovic. At the age of 33, Cavani will feel he still has a good few years ahead of him before he even contemplates retiring. If things go well this season, he may end up staying with the Manchester club until at least 2022.