CAVANI SHOWDOWN
MANCHESTER UNITED’S powerbrokers attempted to convince Edinson Cavani to stay yesterday. Newly-appointed director of football John Murtough and executive vice chairman Ed Woodward met the Uruguay international, 34, to see if he wants to extend his contract for another year. Cavani’s future was plunged into doubt earlier this month amid interest from Argentinian club Boca Juniors and the player’s father Luis revealing his son did not feel comfortable in England. It was also reported that Cavani was unhappy over his treatment by the FA, who banned him for three games in January and fined him £100,000 for using the word ‘ negrito’ in a social media post. Last weekend, Uruguay assistant coach Mario Rebollo said Cavani must move somewhere where he can find better ‘rhythm and competition’. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants him to stay but confirmed the final decision rests with Cavani. The player knows United’s priority is to sign another forward and he is concerned at the amount of game time he will get. However, United need quality cover as Marcus Rashford may face some time out at the start of the new season should he require shoulder surgery. Cavani, who joined as a free agent last October, has also struggled for fitness but has hit seven goals in 26 outings. He was in high spirits during training yesterday after his team, including Nemanja Matic, Alex Telles, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Hannibal Mejbri, won the day’s five-aside competition. Cavani is set to figure against Brighton on Sunday with United waiting on Rashford’s fitness and that of Anthony Martial who picked up a knock to the fibula under his left knee playing for France.