The wait goes on for Edinson Cavani’s first start. The Uruguayan made his fourth substitute appearance for United against Istanbul Basaksehir.
Cavani is still also looking for his first goal. He did not even get a chance in United’s 2-1 defeat in Turkey.
United’s players are still adjusting to Cavani, and vice versa.
This is part of the fallout of signing Cavani so late in the transfer window, on deadline day, and then having a further fortnight when he couldn’t train.
In 30 minutes on the pitch, Cavani managed only 10 touches.
The striker won one aerial duel, but did not manage to have a shot at goal.
Former United striker Robin van Persie expressed his sympathy towards Cavani, and blamed his teammates for this aspect of his slow start.
Van Persie told BT Sport’s post-match coverage: “You could see that Cavani was making suitable runs for an attacker – nobody could find him, nobody passed him the ball.
“With Cavani, you have a player who is stretching the field. You need to feed him.”
Creating chances was a problem all night for United, despite having a high number of quality attacking players on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes did not create any chances, and nor did substitute Paul Pogba.
It is an adage which has haunted United previously. A striker is only as good as the service he receives.
Cavani was not static either. As Robin van Persie pointed out, Cavani was busy trying to run into channels and find space.
Just like late on in games against Chelsea and Arsenal, United’s attack lacked shape, and had no plan. Or if it did have a plan, there was no execution.
It is frustrating because there were enough quality players on the pitch capable of breaking Istanbul down.
United entered the second half with some momentum after pulling a goal back before half-time, and could not capitalise to even score an equaliser.
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