Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided an update on the Edinson Cavani availability situation as the Red Devils prepare to host Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
The 34-year-old is back in full training and will be available for selection.
Edinson Cavani Availability Confirmed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Hoping to Add to His One Appearance This Season
Edinson Cavani has just made one appearance this season so far, from the bench v Wolverhampton Wanderers.
After a perfect start to life as a Manchester United player in 2020/21, before the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo at least, there was much excitement as to how well Cavani could do given a full season as the club’s main striker.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s addition, which has proved to be more necessary than previously imagined, will limit Edinson Cavani’s minutes when he is available.
Cavani cannot really blame Ronaldo – who also took his number seven shirt – just yet as the Uruguayan forward has struggled to make himself available for games this season.
Though, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed to club media that he will return to the squad v Aston Villa: “Edinson has joined in training fully after that game (on Wednesday) and he’s held his hand up and is ready.
“Last season as well, he didn’t have a pre-season when he came here. He’s so professional and meticulous and, of course, we’re glad to now have him back training with us and in the squad.”
With Edinson Cavani Availability Confirmed, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Does Not Rule Out Combining Him With Cristiano Ronaldo
There could be room for both of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani in the Manchester United xi, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian coach told a press conference: “It’s exciting to see them two together. I’m sure that’ll be a good partnership as well, (two players) wanting to be on the end of things. We’ve seen some teams dropping deeper against us, not giving us as much space in behind and that’s definitely two boys you’d like to have around the goal when that’s the scenario.
“I can see them two working well together.”
Although it’s unlikely they’ll start games together, that represents a very exciting proposition. Most likely a scenario you’ll see if United are seeking a goal towards the end of a game.
Cristiano Ronaldo Impact So Far
Solskjaer also pointed out the impact Cristiano Ronaldo is having on and off the pitch.
He also told the press: “We knew he was going to have a great impact on and off the pitch.
“Cristiano is still so professional. The discipline he’s showed throughout his career, to make the most of his career, is going to rub off on teammates, and of course, scoring goals will only help that impact.
“So, I’ve been delighted. He’s been absolutely top, his work rate, his attitude going into games and his communication too.”
Ronaldo is already Manchester United’s joint-top goalscorer this campaign (all comps).
Solskjaer Hoping for Clean Sheet
Manchester United have kept just the one clean sheet in their seven games in all competitions this season. That is something Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to improve on.
He said: “We’re still working on cohesion with Raphael Varane. We know we’re going to score goals, but hopefully we can answer that with a clean sheet at the weekend.”
David de Gea has been in excellent form for this club since returning early from his holiday after Euro 2020.
Ole revealed he has also achieved a few personal bests off the pitch, telling the media: “He did call me to end his holiday earlier. He wanted to be ready. He is better physically, mentally. When you’ve done the work, he got personal bests on a few physical tests, that gives you confidence, motivation.”
Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, who is on loan at Aston Villa, is unable to play in Saturday’s game in what is sure to be a big miss for Dean Smith’s side.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
