Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hit back at criticism directed towards the Red Devils’ summer purchase Edinson Cavani’s seemingly slow start to life at Old Trafford with the gaffer insisting that he was delighted with the showings put in by the veteran Uruguayan international.
Since arriving at Manchester United this past summer’s transfer window on a free transfer, Cavani struggled a bit with a constant spree of injuries before making his name as an off-the-bench danger for opposition sides in the Premier League.
Cavani has staked his claim for a regular spot in the first-team for the Red Devils, and rightly so considering the goals brought in by the ex-PSG man in spite of his advancing age.
Speaking to reporters in the post-match interview after his side left it late to triumph over fellow top-flight rivals Everton in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup, Solskjaer voiced huge praise for Cavani’s professionalism and quality on the pitch, with the United manager coming to his player’s defence over his track record of injury niggles curtailing his game-time.
“I think it’s wrong. I do not think he has had a slow start. He has done really well, he has been excellent, I think.
“He has of course been injured, but it can happen to anyone. He came late in the transfer window, so I’m pretty happy.
“His influence, his behavior in the locker room, his habits for training, his attitude in the matches. One can see how well he takes care of himself.
“We have been patient with him, and I think he has left his mark.”
With Anthony Martial suffering somewhat of a goal drought in recent times, Solskjaer’s dependence on Cavani’s attacking abilities increases even further heading into the turn of the year for 20-time league champions.
