Manchester United have been warned not to part ways with Edinson Cavani during the January transfer window amidst continued links with Barcelona.
Speaking to Football Insider, former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie has urged Manchester United not to sell Edinson Cavani in the upcoming transfer window even as the Uruguayan gets linked with a move to Barcelona.
Cavani has been with Manchester United for over 15 months now, having signed last year on a free transfer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain had expired. The 34-year-old enjoyed a fine debut season in England, banging in 17 goals in all competitions to help the Red Devils to the runners-up spot in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League.
However, things have not gone too well for the Uruguayan this time out as he has had fitness issues while the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo has forced him down the pecking order. As a result, Cavani has barely featured this season, although he has netted two important goals so far, including the equaliser against Newcastle United on Monday night.
Speculations surrounding his future refuse to go away, though, with a January transfer to Barcelona being heavily mooted. Reports have indicated that the Blaugrana have already held talks over a move with the former PSG striker, and an agreement in principle is already in place.
However, McAvennie has now urged Manchester United to keep hold of the Uruguayan international, claiming that he can deliver goals in plenty if given a regular run in the side.
“You have to keep him. He’s got to be one of the best attackers at Man United. For me, there are few strikers better than Cavani on his day. You have a 20-plus goal striker there. He hasn’t quite shown it this season but we saw it last year. Stick him in attack and give him the same number of chances as Ronaldo, you will see a similar goal return,” he told Football Insider.
“Letting him go is madness. He can still do a job, a great job. I’m a big fan of his and I don’t know why he’s not playing more. Maybe it’s because there is an emphasis on the younger players at Man United. That’s fine but sometimes you need experience and Cavani has over 300 career goals.”
Cavani showed the value he can bring to the team with his goal against Newcastle United. Furthermore, with Anthony Martial also pushing for an exit next month, losing both the forwards could prove to be detrimental to Manchester United’s ambitions in case any of their frontline options get injured.
