Solskjaer makes Cavani admission; sends timely reminder over Haaland relationship

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer TEAMtalk

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Edinson Cavani’s Manchester United future remains up in the air, as he served another reminder that he has a personal line of contact with Erling Haaland.

Cavani, 34, joined United on a free transfer last summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

Cavani originally signed a 12-month deal at Old Trafford, with the option to extend the agreement by a further year.

However, it emerged earlier this week that the Uruguyan forward will instead join Boca Juniors at the end of the season.

His father Luis has since confirmed that plan, claiming Cavani does “not feel comfortable” in England.

“There is a 60 per cent chance that Edinson will come to South America,” Luis Cavani told TyC Sports.

“We are very anxious. We have always been to visit him, he has been in very beautiful places where people have received him very well.

“He has made himself loved, he has made many friends, but today he does not feel comfortable where he is.

“He has been thinking for more than two years that he wants to be closer to his family and that is the reason why I think Edi is going to end up playing for a team from here in South America.”

Of course the United boss was asked about Cavani’s future ahead of United’s Europa League clash with AC Milan at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Solskjaer said he was focused on getting the forward fit, but admitted a decision on his future had not been made.

“Well Edinson is fully focused on being available for us and working really hard to get fit,” said Solskjaer.

“From my bad Portuguese and his better English he is very proud to play for Man Utd. A decision hasn’t been made – we are just working on getting him back.”

Probed further about Cavani’s situation, Solskajer was asked if the player’s ban had unsettled him. The attacker was banned after using a racial term in a social media post before Christmas. The Uruguyan players’ union were left furious.

“I can’t comment on what has been said. I can only say that we are very pleased with Edinson when he is here. Day in and day out,” said the United boss.

Ole: No decision made over Cavani's future

Ole: No decision made over Cavani's future

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Edinson Cavani is 'very proud' to play for Manchester United and insists no decision has been made over his future, despite the striker's father claiming that he 'does not feel comfortable' at Old Trafford.

“He is proving his personality, his professionalism. He is really helping the young kids – as we wanted him to.

“He will make his decision. He knows we are very fond of what he has given to the club even if he has played less than he wanted to.”


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Ole reminds world of connection to Haaland

Erling Haaland Borussia Dortmund v Sevilla March 2021

Meanwhile, Solskjaer still found time to remind the world of his connection to Borussia Dortmund forward.

Haaland is now the youngest and fastest player ever to reach 20 UEFA Champions League goals.

The 20-year-old did it just 14 games after a brace against Sevilla on Tuesday night.

Solskjaer also has 20 Champions League goals, but he played down his own achievements and said he would congratulate Haaland personally.

“It was just a matter of time before he scored more goals than me in the Champions League,” said Solskjaer, who flew to Norway in January 2020 to try and persuade Haaland to sign for United.

“Not many more superlatives to use. Whatever I want to say I will say in Norwegian directly to him.”

Last month Solskajer publicly admitted he was “following Erling” and it is understood United have the forward high up their summer shopping list.

Solskjaer recognises his status as the competition’s top-scoring Norwegian is now under serious threat.

“It probably wasn’t proper Champions League (played in qualifiers).

“I have been told so much about records and stats – but I don’t look back on it. My focus is to get better.

“I will gladly give away all my records to improve what I’m doing now.”

Rashford concern

Asked about his team news, Solskjaer admitted Marcus Rashford was a doubt.

“I don’t think he’ll be available for tomorrow. He didn’t train today.

“Normally I’m very optimistic but think he is out of tomorrow night and a doubt for the weekend.

“I’m not sure if anyone will be back. David, no. Donny, no. Juan, no. Edinson, maybe. Rashord, no. Similar side to Sunday.”

“I have ultimate admiration for AC Milan. Tradition, history, quality, absolute class act.”

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