Manchester United could look to boost their striking options in the near future by making a move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani, who is reportedly extremely keen to make the switch to Old Trafford
With summer signing Anthony Martial usually deployed wide on the left or on the right, and with the likes of Javier Hernández and James Wilson leaving the club permanently and on loan respectively, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal’s options up front have been greatly reduced.
Fortunately for the Red Devils, captain Wayne Rooney is going through a purple patch at the moment, but given the season the Englishman has had overall, there will be serious doubts over how long he can keep up his scoring run.
The dearth of strikers in the first team has led to several forwards being linked with the club, and the latest big name seems to be PSG striker Edinson Cavani. According to ESPN, Manchester United are considering make an official bid for the former Napoli hitman, although it was the 28-year-old’s representatives who initiated contact with the United hierarchy.
The report states that Cavani is extremely keen to make the switch, which makes sense in light of his growing discontent at being played out of position to accommodate Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimović. PSG have reportedly been reluctant to sanction a sale in the past, but given the addition of Ángel Di María to the side last summer, and the fact that the Ligue 1 giants might again look to spend big next summer, the French side might look favourably upon a sale of the Uruguayan.
ICYMI: Manchester United considering bid for PSG’s Edinson Cavani – sources tell ESPN FC. https://t.co/vQEPV5uyQr pic.twitter.com/kERXODpF2Z
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 21, 2016
Manchester United should steer clear of Cavani
Not only would Cavani cost a mini-fortune both in terms of transfer fee and wages, the Red Devils have already paid through the nose for a supremely talented young forward in Anthony Martial, who needs time in the central role up front to get accustomed to it and subsequently flourish in it.
Cavani is already 28 years old and is a short-term solution at best, while a major injury — if it does occur at any point during his Manchester United career — could effectively spell the end of his career. United should focus on developing the talent they already have, and if they determine that it is essential to enter the market for a striker, a younger player with his best years ahead of him should be targeted instead.
