Grading Edinson Cavani’s time at Manchester United so far would be a difficult task.
His brace against Southampton in a 3-2 comeback win was the highlight. It was a special moment which showed the kind of predatory instincts lacking in a Manchester United striker since Zlatan Ibrahimovic left.
Injuries have impacted Cavani since, as well as a controversial suspension, and he sits on just seven goals. Now he has been ruled out of the upcoming match with AC Milan.
Cavani has probably had the biggest impact of any number seven since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in 2009, but there is a very low bar. If he left now, his spell would feel underwhelming.
All that could have changed in an instant this week when Manchester United take on AC Milan. Instead, we wait.
His injury came after a late setback, after days of expectation he would be ready to play. It was one more let down for fans to endure.
Still time for Cavani to make an impact
Right now there is a lot of understandable negativity regarding Cavani. At 34, his injury problems are getting worse and not better.
In the summer there could well be a parting of the ways. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted as much last week, saying the striker’s future is undecided.
So if the Uruguayan does leave in the summer, the San Siro could have been a signature moment for him to give fans something to remember him by.
As frustrating as it is, Cavani could be a hero again by next week. Football can change opinions so quickly, and United have another decisive game on Sunday.
Just because he is out of the Milan game, doesn’t mean, yet, that he is out of the Leicester City tie.
Cavani could score the winner against Leicester and he will be lauded as a hero – regardless of what happens against Milan.
Perhaps he will be gone in the summer, but his season didn’t end with him missing the Milan game.
Keep an open mind, because Cavani could be United’s hero by the end of the week, or in upcoming fixtures through April and May.
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