Manchester United were not quite sure what they were getting when they signed Edinson Cavani from Paris Saint-Germain in October 2020. The signing was made on the day of the deadline and had the hallmarks of a hasty and desperate transfer.
Cavani was 33 years old and PSG considered him a surplus. Cavani struggled with an injury last season in Paris and arrived at Old Trafford after scoring just seven goals. He obviously had a pedigree, but his best days seemed to be behind him. Initially, this sentence could not be further from the truth. Cavani made a great start at United.
It did not take long for Cavani to definitively dispel any doubts about his ability to continue to perform at the highest level. The striker scored his first goal for the club against Everton in November, a few weeks later to win three points for United against Southampton. Cavani scored a well-taken arc and assisted on United’s other goal of the match.
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United fans will soon be adapting the 70’s ABBA hit, Gimme! Give me! Give me!’ to sound the serenade of your new goal scorer. United lacked a traditional central striker until Cavani’s arrival and the player’s movement outside the ball was truly exceptional. Cavani is battling injuries again, but his goals as he played have led fans to forgive him for his weakness. It was a strong first season.
Cavani finished his first year at Old Trafford with 17 goals and six assists in 39 games, which was certainly not a bad comeback for a central striker who was signed for free. His bold chip against Fulham on the last day of the season was also reminiscent of what Eric Cantona would try. The decision to sign Cavani suddenly seemed inspired after encapsulating despair.
Although the Uruguayan had to leave with a free transfer, he was persuaded to sign a one-year contract extension. The news that Cavani was extending his stay was well received by all neighborhoods, but his long stay eventually tarnished his legacy.
The “Give It, Give It, Give It to Eddie Cavani” scales became quieter as the new season progressed, and for good reason. Although Cavani could not be blamed for losing his place to Cristiano Ronaldo, the way he behaved after his new reality was disappointing. Cavani’s injury file is questionable and his commitment is notorious.
Cavani always seemed to give 100 percent when he was selected, but he was rarely available to play. Cavani played just over 900 minutes this season and missed 29 of United’s 49 games. He also wanted to miss the FA Cup draw with Middlesbrough, and that request looked worse when Anthony Elanga twisted on the spot during penalties. Cavani had to take that penalty, not Elanga.
The 35-year-old scored just two goals and made eight starts. His injury record has been called into question by experts and supporters, with some speculating that Cavani’s heart is no longer there. If so, he wasn’t alone in the locker room.
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Cavani was about to be remembered as a cult hero at Old Trafford, but now his name will be just a footnote in the history of this truly disastrous season. Although Cavani thanked United fans for their support on Friday, he did not deserve much support for much of the campaign. Cavani always received a warm welcome at Old Trafford, even though he was a peripheral figure.
“I sincerely have nothing but words of gratitude to the fans and supporters of Manchester United,” Cavani said in an interview with United’s domestic media. “Honestly, they showed me a lot of respect from the first moment I arrived.
“I think they have acknowledged the very hard work that I have always tried to do in the best possible way, giving my best for this team. I am really grateful and I will leave here with a happy memory of this love that they showed me and always showed me. “
United should look to attract a young central striker this summer, instead of a once-renowned player in the autumn of his career. This season has made this lesson very clear. This means that Cavani was useful for at least one thing this term.
Cavani may leave the club with happy memories, but United fans will not share this opinion about the player.
Adios, Edinson Cavani.
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