OLE’S EDIN FOR GLORY
Cavani’s winner takes Solskjaer step closer to trophy
EDINSON CAVANI provided Manchester United with a timely reminder of his enduring class and what they will miss next season if he leaves.
Cavani, who is out of contract this summer and has given no indication of wanting to stay, booked United’s semifinal place with an exquisite volley.
A late own goal by Granada’s Jesus Vallejo sealed the win.
Uruguay striker Cavani has been a revelation this season.
The 34-year-old was signed as a free agent and has vindicated that decision by plundering nine goals and bringing a wealth of experience to the team’s young attack.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made no secret of his desire to keep Cavani (below) for another year, but admitted he is struggling to convince the forward who is keen to return to his native South America - to sign an extension.
If as expected, he moves on, what better leaving present for him to give United than Europa League glory and a first trophy for Solskjaer since he took charge two and a half years ago.
The Reds, beaten in the semi-finals by Sevilla last year, are the favourites to go all the way this time. They are the best of the four teams left and it will certainly represent failure if they do not lift silverware in Gdansk on May 26.
Here, with the tie effectively won in the first leg after United returned from Spain with a 2-0 lead, the task was preserving that advantage and taking the chances that came their way, which Cavani duly did early on.
Solskjaer had three enforced changes to make, with skipper Harry Maguire, leftback Luke Shaw and midfielder Scott McTominay suspended after picking up bookings in the first leg.
In all, Solskjaer made five changes from the side that won 3-1 at Tottenham, David De
Gea, Axel Tuanzebe, Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic and Mason Greenwood coming in.
If the tie was not already secured in the first leg, it was after six minutes last night when Cavani executed an exquisite left-footed volley after Paul Pogba flicked on a Telles cross.
Granada’s defenders stood off Cavani, allowing him time to set himself before showcasing his impressive technique for his 50th goal in European competition.
The visitors deserved credit for sticking to their task, Yangel Herrera heading just wide from a free-kick in the 20th minute, after Pogba – already booked
– escaped a second yellow card which would have seen him sent off.
Solskjaer made the decision to withdraw Pogba at the break rather than risk him missing the first leg of the semi-final.
With time nearly up Vallejo’s attempt to deal with a cross resulted in him heading past his own keeper.