Edinson Cavani was a late signing for Manchester United at the end of the transfer window and it was a move which split opinion.
On one hand, United risked little by taking a chance on a player with a fantastic goalscoring record on a free transfer.
But the drawbacks felt familiar. United have had poor luck with South American attackers, and there was a fear Cavani would represent the repetition of previous mistakes. Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Alexis Sanchez’s names loomed large.
Already, Cavani has shown he is more of a Zlatan Ibrahimovic type.
The Uruguayan has had a big impact despite the late nature of his signing counting against him and meaning he has had to get up to speed.
He has scored four goals already, the same number as Radamel Falcao managed in 29 appearances.
Cavani has two assists too, and his work rate up front is simply outstanding, setting a great example to his teammates and showing his selfless side.
No mercenary
Cavani is no mercenary, he is not at Old Trafford chasing a late career pay pay.
He is at United because he wants to win, and believes he can do. Cavani’s performances are full of fight and he does not give in.
This is exactly the type of character this United side need. He has a winning mentality which can rub off on more inexperienced members of the team and mesh well with Bruno Fernandes’ desire.
The biggest question about the Cavani signing has become, ‘why wasn’t this done earlier?’.
If United had signed Cavani at the start of August he could have been at full pace for mid-September and United probably would not have started the season so badly.
The early doubts over his signing have been erased and with no international fixtures for a few months, Cavani should get a consistent run of games without disruption providing he can stay fit.
He has a good chance to score above 15 goals this season and get towards the 20 mark.
United signed him on a one-year deal with an option for a second. It is already looking like a no-brainer to activate the extension.
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