Three reasons Edinson Cavani must start against Southampton

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Edinson Cavani shone during Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday.

That was a first United start for the Uruguayan and a second one in quick succession would likely be a popular choice.

Here is a look at three reasons Cavani should be part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI against Southampton…

He’s getting sharper

Cavani didn’t have a pre-season and came to United having not played for PSG since March.

Even though Cavani is naturally fit, that meant he was playing catch-up in terms of his fitness.

There’s no substitute for playing regular games when it comes to getting sharper – and we can see Cavani’s match fitness coming along now.

Also, United likely aren’t paying just over £190,000-a-week (Goal) to keep Cavani on the bench. He needs starts to prove his worth and carry on getting close to peak fitness.

Deadly marksman

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have both been handed Champions League penalties this season to try and boost their confidence.

That’s because they’re not on the goal trail. Both men missed presentable chances against West Brom.

Cavani would be fancied to bury both of them and at a time when United need a greater goal threat, it makes sense to start their most seasoned scorer.

Link-up with Bruno

Some of the one-touch passing between Cavani, Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek was sumptuous in midweek.

There seems to be an instant understanding between the trio, and Bruno especially thrived on having Cavani as a focal point in attack.

There’s signs of a burgeoning relationship there, and Martial and Rashford were free to drive at defenders from out wide.

Fernandes toiled slightly against West Brom but was back to his very best playing just behind Cavani on Tuesday.

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