Manchester United were not entirely sure what they were getting when they signed Edinson Cavani from Paris Saint-Germain in October 2020. The signing came on the day of the deadline and had the hallmarks of a hasty transfer. and desperate.
Cavani was 33 years old and PSG had considered him a surplus. Cavani had been injured in his last season in Paris and arrived at Old Trafford after scoring just seven goals. He clearly had a pedigree, but his best days seemed to be far behind. This judgment initially could not have been further from the truth. Cavani made an excellent start to United.
It didn’t take long for Cavani to emphatically clear the lingering doubts about his ability to continue to perform at the highest level. The striker scored his first goal for the club against Everton in November before winning a three-point solo for United against Southampton a few weeks later. Cavani scored a well-done double and assisted on United’s other goal in that game.
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United fans soon adapted ABBA’s 70’s hit, Gimme! Give me! Give me! to serenade his new striker striker. United had lacked a traditional center forward until Cavani’s arrival and the player’s movement off the ball was truly exceptional. Cavani struggled again with injuries, but his goals when he played made his fans forgive his fragility. It was a strong first season.
Cavani finished his first year at Old Trafford with 17 goals and six assists in 39 appearances, which was certainly not a bad comeback for a center-forward who signed for free. His bold chip thrown against Fulham on the final day of the season also reminded him of something Eric Cantona would try. The decision to sign Cavani suddenly seemed inspired after encapsulating despair.
Although the Uruguayan had to leave with a free transfer, he was persuaded to sign a one-year contract extension. The news of the extension of Cavani’s stay was well received in all areas, but his prolonged stay has finally contaminated his legacy.
The chants of “Give it, give it, give it to Edi Cavani” became quieter as the new season progressed and that was for good reason. While Cavani cannot be blamed for losing his place to Cristiano Ronaldo, his way of behaving after his new reality was disappointing. Cavani’s record with injury has been questionable and his commitment has been discredited.
Cavani seemed to always give 100% when he was selected, but he was rarely available to play. Cavani played just over 900 minutes this season and missed 29 of United’s 49 games. He also asked to escape the FA Cup draw with Middlesbrough and that request seemed worse when Anthony Elanga gave in at the time during penalties. It should have been Cavani who made this penalty, not Elanga.
The 35-year-old scored just two goals and made eight starters. His injury record was questioned by experts and supporters, and some speculated that Cavani’s heart was no longer there. If that was the case, he was not alone in the locker room.
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Cavani was on his way to being remembered as a cult hero at Old Trafford, but now his name will only be a footnote in the history of this genuinely disastrous season. Although Cavani thanked United fans for their support on Friday, they did not deserve much support for much of the campaign. Cavani has always received a warm welcome at Old Trafford, despite being a peripheral figure.
“Honestly, I have nothing but words of gratitude for Manchester United fans and supporters,” said Cavani, reflecting in an interview with United’s internal media. “It simply came to our notice then.
“I think they have recognized a lot of all the hard work that I’ve always tried to do in the best way possible, giving my best for this team. I’m really grateful and I will leave here with a happy memory of that affection that I have. they showed and always showed “.
United are looking to sign a youth center-forward this summer instead of a well-known player in the autumn of his career. This season has clearly left that lesson. This means that Cavani has been useful in at least one such term.
Cavani could leave the club with happy memories, but United fans will not share this feeling about the player.
Goodbye, Edinson Cavani.
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