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Manchester United have announced a 1-year extension for Edinson Cavani to remain at the club through the end of the 2021/22 season. The Uruguayan striker has turned on down the stretch this season, and has provided 15 goals and 5 assists in all competitions since arriving as a late transfer window signing.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 10, 2021
One more year of @ECavaniOfficial! #MUFC #Cavani2022
Cavani was linked with a possible move to South America in the summer, with Argentine giants Boca Juniors mentioned among others. Ultimately however he’s decided to see out another year with United after becoming a reliable asset up front in recent weeks. He has 8 goals in his last 7 games for the club, including 4 goals over both legs of the UEFA Europa League Semi-final against AS Roma.
Edinson Cavani has been directly involved in a Premier League / Europa League goal every 79 minutes on average this season.
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 10, 2021
El Matador. pic.twitter.com/a9ariVBmPj
When Cavani signed for United at the unusual October 5th deadline there were seemingly mixed feelings among fans. Though Cavani is a proven goal scorer in Europe’s top leagues and the UEFA Champions League, he came with a worrying recent injury history. Taking the no. 7 added uncertainty to the mix, given the recent troubles in finding a star for the historic shirt plus the failure to secure Jadon Sancho’s services from Borussia Dortmund. Though there have been spells off the pitch due to minor injury and the use of a racial slur on Instagram, Cavani has largely been an effective offensive force up front. Martial’s struggles and Greenwood’s inexperience added pressure on Cavani to perform, and he’s stepped up admirably.
Fans will still hope for marquee signings in the summer, with links to the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland persisting along with revived hopes of landing Sancho. Cavani’s extension perhaps frees the club to address other needs this summer, and wait for a better deal on a goal scorer, like when Haaland’s release clause kicks in next summer. Cavani, Greenwood, and a (hopefully) healthy and rejuvenated Martial isn’t a bad striker’s depth chart going into next season, and they will likely score more regularly if more creators are brought in to support them.