Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has explained why he will not be keeping a close eye on today’s Champions League draw.
United go into the last-16 draw, which takes place at 11am GMT, as Group F winners, which means we are one of the eight seeded teams.
As a result, we will play the first of the two-legged tie, away from home in February before the return leg takes place at Old Trafford in March.
Ralf Rangnick’s team can meet one of six potential opponents. Chelsea, as a fellow English team, and Villarreal, who finished second in our group, cannot be drawn with the Red Devils, so we can meet Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Inter Milan, Paris Saint Germain, RB Salzburg or Sporting Lisbon.
Cavani, who is working his way back to full fitness, made three substitute appearances during our group campaign.
The 34-year-old is yet to score for Manchester United in the biggest club competition in the world, but the Uruguayan could have a big part to play in Rangnick’s side, if he is fit and available for selection.
But the former PSG striker told the club’s official website that he is unlikely to ‘pay close attention’ to the draw.
That’s because Cavani believes that in order to win the competition, United are going to have to beat the ‘very best’ at some stage.
When asked whether he will be watching the draw, United’s number 21 said: “Look, I have my own personal opinion on this, and everyone will have their own thoughts and views on this competition. I personally know and believe that, to win an overall competition, you have to come up against the very best.
“The best teams in Europe are involved in this competition. I’m not really one who really pays close attention to the draw, so let’s see who we get.”
Although he won’t be watching the draw, El Matador sent a rallying cry to his team mates and felt that belief would be key ahead of whoever we face.
Cavani, who has never won the Champions League, concluded: “Whichever team that we get to play, the key will be that we trust and believe in ourselves, and in just how strong this team can be, and that we are calm in the knowledge that we can go out onto the pitch, against whoever we draw, with our own identity and personality.”
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