The signing of the Uruguayan forward for Manchester United came out of nowhere last summer. While all eyes remained firmly on Sancho, Manchester United announced Cavani. Similar to the Telles deal, Cavani joining United felt like a rushed transfer after the board balked on bigger deals. The early reviews criticized the deal. Supporters questioned the thought process that led United to Cavani. Manchester United fans expected bigger names like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. However, the Cavani deal crossed the finish line and the forward became a front-man for the Red Devils.
Slow Start
Coming back from the summer, Cavani could not join United straight away. He missed the season’s preparations and the season’s first six matches due to a Covid quarantine. Initially, Edinson did not fit into Ole’s system. He took a bit of time to get his barrings in Manchester. Tony Martial led the front-line and Cavani would not play a full 90 until later November.
However, once he gained some more minutes Cavani vastly improved the side. Particularly during an away match against Southampton where Cavani bagged a brace and an assist to give United a 3-2 comeback win over the Saints. It appeared Cavani’s fortune changed for the better until he sustained a knock that caused a multiple-match absence. Even after recovering, he missed the first few games of 2021 due to a suspension from the FA. Yet on his return, United needed veteran skill more than ever.
Mid-Season Leadership
Through the early months of 2021, Cavani found a groove at United. He featured in every match from mid-January to late February. In that time, United rose to their highest position in the table. Matchweek 18 had United at their peak, topping the table. That success came in part from Edison Cavani. His leadership and impact as a substitute made United look fluid on the pitch.
In particular, Mason Greenwood seemed to benefit from having the veteran striker at the club. For the first half of the season, Mason was in a rut. However, when called upon after Martial went down with an injury, Mason rose to the challenge. A considerable part of the credit for Mason’s improvement belongs to Cavani. As seen throughout mid-game flairs, Edi always finds the heart and energy that United needs.
Cavani Center Stage Heroics
Martial missing games caused a genuine fear in the United camp. Greenwood and Rashford preformed their best this season from wide positions, so United lack a proper scorer up-front. Cavani solved that issue in the second half of the season. After recovering from a knock in March, the Uruguayan hit his best form of the season. He scored in every Europa League match that he started in and contributed to 5 goals in his final 8 final Premier League appearances of the season.
Through a season of ups and downs, Edi provided a bright spot. Even though the team failed to lift a trophy, Cavani played a critical role in getting United into the opportunities to do so. Apart from pure statistics, he led the team with his veteran experience and provided crucial guidance to Mason Greenwood.
For all he did this season, Cavani receives a 8/10 this season. The only downfall was his injury record missing 14 matches and United’s lack a trophy.
Glory Glory Man United.
Written by CJ Szaz.
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