SOLSKJAER BACKS CAVANI

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects new signing Edinson Cavani to have a major impact on the team’s fortunes going forward. The striker was signed on a free transfer after he left PSG following the expiry of his contract.

A player with huge reputation, Cavani has a lot of pressure on his shoulders even if he comes to Old Trafford as a veteran. Due to his age, Cavani might not have been expected to contribute a lot to the first-team but that may not be the case, according to the boss.

Solskjaer says that Cavani is slowly getting sharper as a result of training with the team and he expects the Uruguayan striker to create a significant impact in forthcoming matches. Even though he has been playing at the top level with PSG, Cavani has had little action in recent years. Furthermore, the 33-year-old is facing a battle against time when it comes to keeping up his fitness levels. The lower fitness levels seem to have been a key factor in Cavani being restricted to cameo appearances in recent matches. His latest appearance came in the 1-0 loss against Arsenal after previously coming on as a substitute in the draw with Chelsea.

Already in these matches, Cavani has shown the legendary predatory instinct that made him a very successful striker with Napoli and PSG.“He’s generally a fit man anyway and he’s getting his sharpness in training and he’s got some substitute appearances now. We haven’t managed to get him long enough yet to make a big impact but he’s looking sharper and sharper in training so it won’t be long. Anthony has been important for us last season and in the time I’ve been here. So, of course, to have him back is a boost," said Solskjaer ahead of the Champions League game against Istanbul Basaksehir.