News is looking up regarding Manchester United’s hopes of bringing back Edinson Cavani for one more season.
Re-signing the Uruguayan seems logical enough, providing he actually wants to return. At 34, he was previously said by ESPN to be interested in a return to South America. Now it seems he is closing in on extending his contract.
When he has played, when not held back by injury or suspension, Cavani has been lethal.
To consider just how dangerous, one key statistical measurement of his game underlines his ruthlessness in front of goal.
Second most dangerous forward in the league
According to data from FBRef.com, Cavani is the second most lethal striker in the Premier League from open play this season.
Cavani contributes a goal from open play at a rate of 0.63 goals per 90 minutes.
Only a rejuvenated Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho has a better output, with 0.84 goals per 90.
Harry Kane follows Cavani at 0.58, Dominic Calvert-Lewis at 0.54, and Tammy Abraham at 0.53.
Cavani clear compared to his United teammates
Cavani’s 0.63 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes compares very favourably compared to his United teammates.
Marcus Rashford is next on 0.34, then Dan James (0.33), Mason Greenwood (0.28), Bruno Fernandes (0.26) and Anthony Martial (0.24).
Last season Martial was contributing an open play goal at a rate of 0.58 per 90 minutes. His production has dipped dramatically.
What next for United?
A decision needs to be made regarding Cavani, and the choice seemingly needs to come from the striker himself, whether he returns. United’s door seems open, as it should.
After his sensational performance against Roma, two goals and two assists, it looks like club and player are ready to come to an agreement.
Cavani has eight Premier League goals this season, a figure which would be a lot higher if he had been available more often. He has started only 11 league games.
United really need to look for an alternative long-term, possibly including one of the players he betters, Harry Kane, who hinted at his frustration at Tottenham this week in an interview with Sky Sports.
But that would be incredibly expensive, and perhaps impossible. Extending Cavani is the smart move. He’s still got it.
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