Man Utd star plays down first-team struggles as exit rumours emerge
Edinson Cavani has spoken to reporters in his home country about the tough situation he finds himself in at Man Utd.
The Uruguayan arrived at Old Trafford in October last year on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite suffering from multiple injuries, he recorded ten goals in 26 Premier League matches as Man Utd finished second.
Cavani was also integral to the Red Devils’ Europa League campaign. He bagged six goals in just five appearances before their penalty shoot-out defeat to Villarreal.
The 34-year-old is viewed as an important squad member, although his situation was affected by Cristiano Ronaldo’s return on August 31.
Ronaldo has started all of Man Utd’s recent matches, other than the 1-1 draw with Everton, leaving little room for Cavani.
He also took up the number seven jersey after joining from Juventus for £19.8million.
Cavani recently linked up with the Uruguay national team ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Colombia, Argentina and Brazil.
When quizzed on the club situation, he said: “In football, you have to always be ready. It’s one of the keys at the top level.
“Sometimes you play more, sometimes you play less, managers make decisions, but that doesn’t stop the work to always be competitive. The league has just started and I have needed to be, not quite like last year, but I’m there to be a part of it.”
Although the player seems positive about his squad positioning, rumours are intensifying about a January transfer.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that Real Madrid are preparing an offer. Cavani is supposedly open to the idea of moving to the Bernabeu.
However, leaving for Los Blancos might not be his best bet. Karim Benzema is their talisman and is unlikely to be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti.
The Sack Race: Bruce hangs on – but is Munoz sacking the right way to go for Watford?
Crouch gives verdict on Man Utd midfield
Former England man Peter Crouch thinks Solskjaer wants to bring in a new midfielder.
With Paul Pogba now used at left wing, the manager tends to start Fred and Scott McTominay in central midfield.
But Fred struggled in Saturday’s draw with Everton. Demarai Gray knocked him off the ball in the lead up to Andros Townsend’s goal.
Crouch has picked out two stars who could come in to make Man Utd a Premier League force.
“Solskjaer will want a midfielder who can link the different units and act as a stable base when the ball is turned over,” he said.
“Every great team needs a defensively-minded man capable of progressing the ball. Xabi Alonso was a perfect example during my time at Liverpool.
“Put Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips in there – spending another huge amount on a new signing – and it arguably becomes the strongest group in the league.”
READ MORE: Journalist predicts player dispute which may help Man Utd transfer plan
The post Man Utd star plays down first-team struggles as exit rumours emerge appeared first on TEAMtalk.