The 34-year-old has scored 19 goals in 49 appearances for the Red Devils since Paris St Germain’s all-time top-scorer joined on a free transfer in October 2020.

Cavani was strongly tipped to leave Old Trafford at the end of last season only to agree a one-year contract extension, but talk has since grown about the striker’s future.

Barcelona have been linked with a January move for the Uruguay international, but Rangnick expects him to stay for the remainder of his contract.

“We had quite a few conversations in the last couple of weeks – probably the player with whom I have spoken most,” the United boss said ahead of Monday’s clash with Wolves.

“I told him from the very first day that, for me, he is a highly important player.

“He is probably the only one who can play as a striker back to goal and face to goal.

“His professionalism, his work ethic is just amazing and I told him that I desperately want him to stay until the end of the season. He knows that.

“He also knows how highly I rate him and how highly I respect him, and that was also the reason why I played him [against Burnley] from the beginning together with Cristiano [Ronaldo].”

Asked if he envisaged letting some players leave this month, Rangnick said: “Yes, but it depends and I think you understand that I don’t want to speak about individual players now in the public.

“I know from some players that they would want to leave.

“We spoke about Edi and he knows that I will definitely not let him go. For me, he is a highly important player for the rest of the season, 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’s clear that Edi has to stay.

“With regard to the other players, yes, our squad is maybe a little bit too big with regard to numbers.

“But we still have Covid, we have three competitions, as I said, and I think we could do with a bigger squad than maybe in times without Covid.”

Cavani looks set to stay but Anthony Martial would be allowed to leave if the right offer comes in.

The France international has expressed his desire to leave United and Rangnick has left the wantaway forward out of recent squads.

“He made it very clear that he wants to leave and, in a way, I can understand his wish to leave and to try to play more regularly somewhere else,” Rangnick said.

“But, again, it’s a question not only of what he wants to do but it’s also a question of which kind of clubs are interested in him and do they meet the demands of the club, so we have to wait and see.

“He is not injured currently, so I decided to go for this group of players that were in the squad [against Burnley], so it had nothing to do with injuries.”

Dean Henderson, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata are others that transfer talk continues to revolve around, so too injured midfielder Paul Pogba as he enters the final months of his contract.

Donny Van De Beek is another widely discussed player having found game time hard to come by since joining from Ajax in 2020.

“Well, just work hard,” Rangnick said when asked about how the Holland international can get into his side. “So far as I have got to know him he’s got a top mentality, he works hard in every training session.

“He’s a team player through and through and there will be games where he will get his chance to play, I’m sure.

“I also had a longer conversation with him last week about that and, again, of course it’s difficult for him right now because he also wants to play for the Dutch national team.

“He wants to qualify for himself and play in the World Cup in Qatar and in order to do that he needs to get game time here.

“But I still believe that we should keep him, that he should stay here, definitely until the end of this season and try to get as much game time as he possibly can.”

The post Rangnick rules out Cavani departure from Man United appeared first on SportsClub.

Rangnick’s side trailed to Allan Saint-Maximin’s eye-catching early goal and were out-played for long periods at St James’ Park.

Cavani came off the bench to bag his first goal since October in the second half, ensuring Rangnick avoided a first defeat in four games as United’s interim manager.

But United remain in seventh place in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth placed Arsenal with two games in hand.

Rangnick had won his first two league games since taking over from the axed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but neither performance was especially convincing and this was another underwhelming effort.

“I didn’t like the performance at all. We didn’t control the game apart from a few moments. It’s all about energy, physicality and who wins the second balls. In all those areas we weren’t at our best,” Rangnick said.

“You have to be able to win those direct duels. Today was not a question of body language, it was a question of body physicality.

“If you want to be competitive you have to get physical and this was not the case in many parts of the game.”

United did have the excuse of the Covid outbreak that forced them into a 16-day period of inactivity since they won 1-0 at Norwich on December 11.

Their games against Brentford and Brighton were postponed, with the club’s training ground shut for four days.

But regardless of the coronavirus chaos, Rangnick will know United must improve dramatically if they are to secure a top four finish.

“We need to be better and get more physical,” he said. “We shouldn’t be looking for excuses.

“We have to meet the demands in terms of speed, tempo and rhythm.”

Second bottom Newcastle ended a three-game losing streak, leaving them two points from safety after the most encouraging display of Eddie Howe’s eight-match reign.

Although their Covid situation has improved, United still weren’t able to return a completely clean bill of health after Sweden defender Victor Lindelof tested positive on Sunday.

– Rusty Man Utd –

Raphael Varane returned from injury to replace Lindelof, but United looked rusty after their enforced lay-off and Newcastle took advantage to snatch a seventh minute lead.

Varane carelessly gifted possession to Sean Longstaff and he picked out Saint-Maximin.

The French winger showed his mesmerising dribbling ability as he shimmied past Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire before steering a fierce strike past David De Gea from the edge of the area.

Newcastle were a real threat on the counter and Jonjo Shelvey broke from the halfway line for a 25-yard rocket that De Gea pushed away.

United’s lethargy was encapsulated by a Cristiano Ronaldo miskick that drew a mocking roar of delight from the Gallowgate End.

Rangnick responded by sending on Sancho and Cavani for Fred and Greenwood at half-time.

Crucially, Saint-Maximin should have scored with a close-range effort that lacked the power to beat De Gea.

United finally began to emerge from their shell and Marcus Rashford’s dipping shot forced a tip over from Martin Dubravka.

Ronaldo’s frustrations boiled over as he was booked for a reckless challenge on Ryan Fraser that had Newcastle baying for a red card.

Fraser nearly exacted immediate retribution with a stinging drive which De Gea saved at full stretch.

But United equalised in the 71st minute when Dalot’s cross reached Cavani and the Uruguay striker stabbed home at the second attempt after his first effort was blocked.

It was the 80th league goal conceded by Newcastle in 2021, the most of any Premier League team in a calendar year.

Cavani almost made it 81 moments later as his goalbound flick was hooked off the line by Jamaal Lascelles.

In a dramatic finale, Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy hit the post with a curler before Miguel Almiron’s strike forced a brilliant save from De Gea.

The post Cavani strikes as Man United held by Newcastle appeared first on SportsClub.

The Blaugrana are keen to bolster their squad in the winter window, although they are hamstrung by debts of more than £1.2 billion.

The club is therefore targeting players who could be available on free transfers or for relatively low fees.

And they have identified Manchester United duo Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata as players who might fit the bill.

Cavani played a prominent role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last term, but the summer arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo pushed the Uruguayan down the pecking order.

The striker has made only five appearances in the Premier League this season, and only two of those were starts.

Injuries have affected his participation but it is hard to see Cavani featuring much under Ralf Rangnick were he to remain at Old Trafford for the remainder of the campaign.

According to Sport, Cavani is Barcelona’s top target as Xavi Hernandez looks to bring in a No.9 next month.

The Catalan giants had also been considering Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, but they have concluded that the Spaniard would be too expensive.

Cavani is out of contract next summer and Barcelona hope United would consider letting him go for a nominal fee.

Xavi is also seeking updates on Cavani’s fitness, with the striker having missed several weeks of action with an Achilles tendon issue.

Barcelona are also eyeing Juan Mata ahead of the reopening of the transfer market in less than two weeks’ time.

The Daily Star writes that Barcelona have renewed their interest in the attacking midfielder, who they first targeted in the summer.

Mata has not made a single appearance in the Premier League this season and is increasingly keen on a departure.

Barcelona hope that United are willing to let Mata leave for free in order to get his £130,000-a-week pay packet off the wage bill.

The post Barcelona eye double swoop for Cavani, Mata in January swoop appeared first on SportsClub.

The veteran Uruguayan – who has missed most of the current campaign through injury – was likely to leave United when his contract expires next summer anyway.

But, according to Marca, Cavani has chosen to accept an approach for Barcelona to move to Camp Nou for the rest of 2021/22.

It would be a permanent deal, which ought to suit United better than a loan as they would be able to shed the 34-year-old’s not inconsiderable wage.

Cavani was said to be earning £200,000 a week before extending his stay at Old Trafford in May – when United reportedly offered to bump that figure up to £250,000.

Even if he had been fit, Cavani might have seen his playing time limited given the return of Cristiano Ronaldo – to whom he surrendered his number 7 shirt.

But even as he approaches his 35th birthday, the former PSG and Napoli man remains an elite option for top sides looking to bolster their attack.

His Premier League record of 11 goals at a rate of 0.63 per 90 attests to that – while he has found the net 18 times in 47 appearances for United in all competitions.

In light of Sergio Aguero’s retirement due to a heart condition, Cavani could be an ideal fix for Barcelona – who are looking to turn their ailing season around under club legend Xavi.

Should he make the move to Catalonia, Cavani would link up with one of his international teammates, centre-half Ronald Araujo.

The post Edinson Cavani keen to switch Man Utd for Barcelona appeared first on SportsClub.

After a week of intense speculation over his future, Solskjaer got all his major calls right as Ronaldo and Cavani, at a combined age of 70, both scored after being paired up front together for the first time.

A switch to a back three, aided by the return of Raphael Varane from injury, also helped Solskjaer’s men register just a second clean sheet in 22 games.

“We’ve built this performance on hard work, discipline and keeping the ball away from our goal,” said Solskjaer.

“We worked on this this week. The boys were brilliant, they took it on board.

“Raphael Varane is a top player. He reads the game well. He’s quick and so experienced. To get him back is massive for us.”

The signings of Ronaldo, Varane and Jadon Sancho were expected to turn United into title challengers this season.

Instead, they are eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea after 10 games, but did move up to fifth thanks to a first league win in five games.

The impact of Ronaldo’s arrival on the balance of the team has been questioned.

But there is little doubting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s finishing as he volleyed in his seventh goal in 11 games since returning to the club, to settle United’s nerves.

Ronaldo then turned provider for Cavani to double United’s lead with a deft chip over Hugo Lloris in the second period.

“The experience came through,” said Solskjaer. “I was told that’s the oldest team I’ve picked for Man Utd and it was time for it.

“I’ve been here three years and Tuesday’s training performance by Edinson Cavani was the best training performance anyone has put in here.

“They played well together, they have loads of respect for each other. We have loads of talented players but they have to learn from those two. The work rate they put in, the quality they put in is second to none.”

However, Solskjaer was keen to stress that one good performance will not erase the stain of last weekend’s record home defeat to their bitter rivals.

“That’s always going to be in the history books – one of the darkest days. A dark spot on our CV,” added Solskjaer.

“We’ve got a hard week again. Champions League game then (Manchester) City. We’ve got to digest this one and be ready for Tuesday (against Atalanta).”

The post Ronaldo and Cavani’s experience key to Man Utd response – Solskjaer appeared first on SportsClub.

Real are the latest to express interest in Cavani, with El Nacional reporting a possible loan deal in the January transfer window.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked to the possibility of taking over as Barcelona manager if Ronald Koeman departs the club, El Nacional reports from Spain. Koeman has come under immense pressure amid Barcelona’s flagging fortunes, and Klopp has been put onto club officials’ wish list amongst other options, who the Daily Express names as former Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo and River Place’s Marcelo Gallardo.

England midfielder Kalvin Phillips is close to re-signing with Leeds despite interest from Manchester United, The Daily Telegraph reports. The 25-year-old had been rumoured to be a key target for United after they missed out on West Ham’s Declan Rice, but is reportedly close to agreeing to a new deal with Leeds amidst a “real willingness” from player and club to make a deal happen.

Chelsea are still hoping to hold onto German centre-back Antonio Rudiger, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports. The 28-year-old has been linked to a host of rival clubs including Barcelona and Real Madrid. But Romano reports Rudiger is happy with Chelsea and manager Thomas Tuchel and that contract negotiations at Chelsea are continuing.

However, another German at Chelsea – Timo Werner – may return home at the end of the season if he cannot force his way back into Tuchel’s side, The Daily Telegraph reports. The 25-year-old striker is said to have become deeply concerned over his situation after slipping down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. After the summer signing of Romelu Lukaku, Werner has started only two games. Bayern Munich have been mentioned in speculation.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Williot Swedberg: The 17-year-old Swedish midfielder is being monitored by Liverpool, Barcelona and AC Milan, Spanish outlet Fichajes says.

Eddie Nketiah: The 22-year-old striker is looking to leave Arsenal, and Leeds, Aston Villa and Brentford are all interested, according to Ekrem Konour.

Moussa Diaby: The 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen and France winger is a target for Liverpool, Calciomercato reports.

The post Football rumours: Jurgen Klopp and Edinson Cavani to head to Spain? appeared first on SportsClub.

The Premier League announced last week that its clubs would not release players for international duty which involved travel to countries covered by the British government’s ‘red list’ coronavirus restrictions.

Uruguay is on that list, which would mean Cavani being required to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days on his return to the UK.

However, the Uruguayan federation confirmed this past Sunday that Cavani would no longer be called up for the matches against Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Aston Villa announced on Sunday that their Argentina call-ups – Emi Martinez and Emi Buendia – would be released for that country’s first two qualifiers in the September break but would miss the last one against Bolivia.

Under that arrangement, the club said, the players would only miss the Premier League game against Chelsea on 11 September.

Tottenham’s Argentinian duo, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, are set to follow suit.

It is understood developments at Spurs and Villa have not altered Liverpool’s position on the matter.

Brazilian trio Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino will therefore not be released, and nor will Egypt forward Mohamed Salah.

LaLiga, meanwhile, is requesting the postponement of the Sevilla vs Barcelona and Villarreal vs Alaves matches due to be played on 11 September after the Court of Arbitration rejected its request to set aside the extension of September’s South American international break.

The request to postpone those matches – and modify kick-off times of other games – has gone to the Spanish football federation’s competitions committee.

LaLiga said Fifa’s decision to extend the window – which was taken after World Cup-qualifying matches due to be played in March were called off due to coronavirus – was “a clear declaration of intent to infringe on the autonomy of domestic leagues, in an abuse of rights”.

The post Edinson Cavani’s Uruguay call-up cancelled appeared first on SportsClub.

The Red Devils produced the first real chance of the game in the seventh minute when Marcus Rashford injected some pace down the left before feeding the ball to Scott McTominay, who let one rip from 22 yards but his effort skidded just wide of the post.

The Yellow Submarine had a chance of their own nine minutes later after a deep cross found Manu Trigueros, who made his way down the flank before unleashing a strike, which hooked over David De Gea’s crossbar.

The Spanish side managed to break the deadlock in the 29th minute when Dani Parejo played a ball into the box towards Gerard Moreno, who poked it past the outstretched De Gea.

Man Utd continued to press forward but were unable to find an equalising goal as the game went into the half-time break 1-0 in favour of Villarreal.

United felt like they should’ve been awarded a penalty early in the second half when Mason Greenwood collided with Pau Torres, but VAR found no clear error in the challenge.

The English side did manage to level matters in the 55th minute when Rashford volleyed an effort on goal from 22 yards which took a few deflections before dropping to Cavani from eight yards out, who fired the ball home.

United should have taken the lead two minutes later but Fernandes struck the loose ball across goal, seeing it flash inches away from Cavani and the goal post.

Man Utd appealed for a penalty in the 65th minute after Fernandes charged away down the right and delivered one into the middle. Foyth’s body was at an odd angle and he deflected the ball away with his arm but the referee waved play on.

Rashford should’ve made it 2-1 five minutes later when Fernandes played a fantastic ball straight to him about 10 yards out in the centre of goal, but the England forward shockingly scuffed his effort wide of the post, despite the flag being raised for offside.

Torres had a chance to seal the game for Villareal in stoppage time but saw his curling effort bend just over the bar as he failed to trouble De Gea.

Neither side were able to find the winning goal after 90 minutes of play forcing the game into extra time. However, Man Utd and Villareal could not be separated after 120 minutes causing the game to be settled in a penalty shootout.

Villarreal won the shootout 11-10 to be crowned UEL champions, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side extended their trophy drought.

The post Villarreal win Europa League in epic shootout against Man Utd appeared first on SportsClub.

Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still striving for his first trophy since stepping into the dugout.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the key battles between the two sides which could determine who is victorious.

Victor Lindelof vs Gerard Moreno

With United expected to have captain Harry Maguire watching on from the sidelines due to an ankle injury, Lindelof is likely be the more established of Solskjaer’s central defensive partnership. The Sweden international has had his critics and will have to be at his best if he is to keep Moreno quiet. The 29-year-old striker has enjoyed a fine season, hitting 23 goals in LaLiga – a tally bettered only by Lionel Messi – and has been in scintillating form for Villarreal in the Europa League, too, with six goals in his eight starts.

Bruno Fernandes vs Etienne Capoue

Fernandes has been the linchpin of Solskjaer’s side since joining in January 2020 and if United are to be successful in the final, the Portugal playmaker will have to shine again. Boasting 40 goals in 79 appearances for United, many opponents have found it impossible to keep Fernandes quiet – but those who have succeeded have also got a positive result from the fixture. The job of keeping Fernandes on the periphery in Poland will be a team effort but Capoue – who started the season playing in the Sky Bet Championship with Watford – will have to be at his very best if Villarreal are to shackle United’s key man.

Edinson Cavani vs Raul Albiol

At the top end of the pitch there will be a meeting between two wily veterans as Cavani looks to fire United to glory. The 34-year-old has 16 goals this season and is enjoying a purple patch with nine in his last 10 games. Villarreal boss Unai Emery managed Cavani at Paris St Germain and will be hoping he can lean on the even-more experienced Raul Albiol (35) to use his guile and know-how of winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, the Uefa Cup, a World Cup and European Championship to come out on top against the Uruguayan.

The post Cavani, Moreno give goal threat – Europa League final battles appeared first on SportsClub.

It had been 436 days since supporters last stepped inside the ground due to the coronavirus pandemic and the 10,000 in attendance for the Red Devils’ final home game of the season produced a remarkable atmosphere.

Returning fans, many donning green-and-gold scarves and placards, let their anger at the owners known on Tuesday, when Cavani lit up an ultimately frustrating 1-1 Premier League draw with an incredible goal on his first appearance in front of United fans.

The 34-year-old showed superb skill and awareness to aim a 35-yard effort over backpedalling Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, with the goal given the green light by the video assistant referee despite an offside call.

There was a similarly narrow decision that went Fulham’s way as they eked out a late equaliser, with Joe Bryan all too easily directing home Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s cross as United missed the chance to wrap up second.

That equaliser underlined the need for reinforcement this summer and fans underlined their desire for change by making their displeasure at the owners, particularly co-chairman Joel Glazer, clear after 14 months away.

The post Cavani welcomes fans back to Man Utd in style in Fulham draw appeared first on SportsClub.