Solskjaer reveals he has more hope than ever over Cavani development

Edinson Cavani, Man Utd warm up

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that he has more hope of Edinson Cavani staying at Manchester United for another season, amid doubt over his future.

The Uruguyan striker has proved a solid addition to the Red Devils when fit and firing. Indeed, he showed his worth with a brace against Roma to help United to a 6-2 win in last week’s Europa League semi-final first leg. However, he only signed a one-season deal in October and it remains unclear if he will renew.

Cavani has had consistent recent links with a move back to South America with Boca Juniors recently.

His father claimed that the 34-year-old wants to move there in the summer. Meanwhile, Marcos Rojo – who plays for Boca – has revealed that Cavani has held talks with the club’s president.

Regardless, Solskjaer has done his part by holding talks with the player to convince him to stay. As such, he revealed that he has more hope than before.

“We’ve had some good conversations, some good chats lately,” the manager told his press conference (via the Manchester Evening News).

“Even though the decision is still in his court, I’m still hopeful.

“Maybe more so, when you see him on Thursday against Roma and then after that game, talking to him about when you do that in front of the full Stretford End, that’s magic.

“I’m still hopeful, yeah.”

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Cavani’s brace took his overall tally for the season to 12 goals. He has also laid on eight strikes, featuring in 33 games in all competitions.

The player’s fitness in his mid-30s has proved United‘s biggest obstacle in fielding him up front.

However, the ability to rest him for Thursday’s second leg with Roma perhaps served as one of very few positives from the postponement of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.

Indeed, Solskjaer wants his side to make sure of their progression to the final with a win, despite their healthy lead.

Solskjaer targeting Man Utd win

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer TEAMtalk

“We’re not going to play on the result, we’re going to play to win that game,” he added.

“That’s the only way I think we can play this game. Of course there might be one or two changes in the selection, but we have to get into the final.

“Everyone says it’s done but I’ve seen bigger upsets than this. Roma beat Barcelona in a second leg after being 4-1 down.”

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