Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Unsettled star persuaded to ignore Man Utd transfer after clear-the-air talks with Ralf Rangnick

Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Manchester United warm-up before Premier League game at Fulham

Manchester United’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick has confidentally declared that Edinson Cavani will be going nowhere in the January transfer window following talks with the veteran striker – but a gentleman’s agreement on his next move appears to be set.

Cavani is being strongly linked with an exit at Old Trafford after a decrease in his gametime in relation to last season. The striker has only started four Premier League matches this term. Last year, he played 13 times from the start in the competition.

The return of Cristiano Ronaldo has no doubt had an affect on the space Cavani has in the team. They are capable of playing together, as they did recently against Burnley. However, in general, Rangnick will tend to pick one or the other.

Therefore, Cavani has been considering his future. He has been heavily linked with a January transfer to Barcelona. The La Liga giants remain in the market for a new striker despite the recent arrival of Ferran Torres.

However, Cavani is no longer up for sale and has been given some assurances over his role over the second half of the season.

His contract currently expires in the summer. As such, it’s highly likely he will then leave the club as a free agent. And a gentleman’s agreement between the two means Rangnick will not try and change his mind.

When asked if he had informed any players they could go in January, Rangnick replied: “No. But I also didn’t tell Edi that he cannot leave. I told him that if it was up to me I would want him to stay. As such, I had a conversation with him yesterday, he came into my office and we spoke for almost half an hour. He told me he will definitely stay and would want to stay until the end of the season.

“Not only because I told him that he should stay or has to stay, he did it on his own behalf and he told me that I can rely on him to stay until the end of the season and give his very best and be a role model for the young players. If he should play from the start, he’s available and he’s happy to play.

Cavani leaving Man United will damage them

Cavani leaving Man United will damage them

Cavani has been good for United and his loss will be felt in the club.

“Even if he’s not playing, he will be trying to be the best possible role model for the other players. For me, this is good news because Edi is one of those players with his vast amount of experience.

“With his mentality, his work ethic, I think he could really be a perfect role model for the other players.”

Cavani, however, will most likely depart in the summer. A free transfer back to his native South America looks likely, with a number of clubs known to be keen.

Brazil switch likely for Edinson Cavani

With a summer move on the cards, a South American-based agent Andre Cury reckons a move to Brazilian side Corithians looks a serious option and has a differing opinion why a move to Barcelona hasn’t materialised.

“He is unhappy at United. He’s a guy I already know a little about his history because we almost brought him to Palmeiras the other time,” Cury said, via Torcedores.

“Edinson Cavani is a guy who owns a farm in Uruguay and likes to be close to home. So in that sense there might be some possibility.

“Now, obviously if he has an offer from Barcelona, he won’t come to Brazil. If he has no choice other than Barcelona or that level of a big club that plays in the Champions League, then I think there’s a chance for the deal to happen, yes.”

Cury added: “Cavani is a great name and has the technical conditions to play for Barcelona. This can happen not because of the club’s desire, but because of the economic issue.”

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