Manchester United saw against Roma what a devastating group of attacking players we have.
There is a very real and unwelcome risk of losing two of them this summer.
Edinson Cavani’s contract is due to expire at the end of June, and while United have an option to extend it, he needs to be convinced to sign.
Paul Pogba has one year left remaining on his current deal, leaving the club in a tricky position.
Can’t lose both
Losing both players would be a mini-disaster for United. Edinson Cavani alone will be hard to replace.
United could find another striker, but not one with the same combination of experience, personality, and ruthless finishing, without breaking the bank.
Paying up for a truly elite striker will leave United hamstrung in other positions, when right wing and defensive midfield both need strengthening.
Replacing Paul Pogba will be close to impossible. He is showing he is a player with real ‘x-factor’.
United could buy a defensive midfielder, who would complement the existing squad, but losing Pogba would be so damaging.
Pogba’s form this year has been outstanding. He was badly missed when he was out injured in February, and draws against West Brom, Palace and Chelsea without him cost the team crucial points in this year’s title race.
Make a statement
United have a chance to make a statement with these two contract extensions, if the club can get the deals done.
Extending deals for Cavani and Pogba will make a statement to the rest of the Premier League, and Europe, that this Manchester United team are gunning to win trophies next season.
Whatever happens in the Europa League final, United are edging closer, and this season there has been real progression in the Premier League.
Add in a couple of elite players, possibly including Jadon Sancho, and United have a real chance of becoming title winners, and having a real crack at the Champions League.
But if the team lose Cavani and Pogba, then forget about it. All the momentum and progression will be lost.
United need to capitalise on the progress made this season and tie both players down, with Pogba to a long-term deal. Now is the time for both players to buy in, and gamble on United’s future success.
The two players are winners, and the decision of one, could persuade the other.
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