Manchester United news: Ralf Rangnick wants Edinson Cavani to stay until the end of the season

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has opened up about the importance Edinson Cavani brings to the squad. After joining Manchester United in 2020, the Uruguayan has been an important part of the club, scoring decisive goals regularly for the team. Moreover, he has been largely praised for his impressive work rate up front, as Cavani makes it difficult for opposing teams to play from their back. However, injuries have prevented him from playing more frequently. A tendon complaint had kept the 34-year-old sidelined for the German’s first three matches in charge, but the striker has since been able to work his way back up to full fitness and featured under Rangnick for the first time last week. 

Edinson Cavani returned to the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw at Newcastle in the Premier League. He came off the bench to score the equaliser at St James’ Park before starting in the victory over Burnley last time out. Ahead of the match against Wolves on Monday, Rangnick – in his press conference – was asked about the Uruguayan’s future at United, amidst the opening of the winter transfer window. Even though the forward’s contract at the club is expiring in the summer, Rangnick hopes that Edinson stays for the remainder of the season.

Rangnick on Cavani: I want him to stay

“We have had quite a few conversations over the last couple of weeks,” Rangnick told reporters. “I told him from the very first day he is a highly important player, he is probably the only one who can play as a striker [with his] back to goal and face to goal. And as I said, his professionalism and his work ethic is just amazing. I told him I desperately want him to stay and stay until the end of the season, and he knows that. 

“He also knows how highly I rate him and how highly I respect him. That was also the reason why I played him today (Thursday v Burnley) from the beginning, together with Cristiano [Ronaldo].”

Manchester United will be competing in more competitions in the second half of the season, hence Rangnick feels that a good squad depth is important for them. “We spoke about Edi, and he knows that I will definitely not let him go,” the interim manager said. “For me he is a highly important player for the rest of the season, [we’re] still playing in three competitions so we will definitely need Edi.

“I would rather have another Edi on top of that but for me it is clear Edi has to stay. With regards to the other players, yes our squad is maybe a little bit too big with regards to numbers, but we still have COVID [to be wary of]. We have three competitions, and we could do with a bigger squad maybe than in times without COVID.”