Ralf Rangnick urges striker Edinson Cavani to stay at Manchester United
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick “desperately” wants to keep striker Edinson Cavani at Old Trafford until the end of the season despite reported interest from other clubs in the January transfer window.
The 34-year-old Uruguay international, whose contract expires at the end of June, has been linked with a move to Barcelona or Juventus.
“We have had quite a few conversations over the last couple of weeks… I told him from the very first day he is a highly important player, he is probably the only one who can play as a striker back to goal and face to goal,” Rangnick told a news conference ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“His professionalism and his work ethic is just amazing. I told him that I desperately want him to stay and stay until the end of the season, and he knows that.”
Cavani, who joined United on a free transfer from Paris St Germain in 2020, has scored twice in 10 games in all competitions this season.
Rangnick added that forward Anthony Martial had not been picked in recent weeks because of the Frenchman’s desire to leave the club this month.
“He made it very clear that he wants to leave and, in a way, I can understand his wish… but it is not only about what he wants to do but also a question of which kind of clubs are interested in him. We have to wait and see. He is not injured currently,” the German said.
United are seventh in the league standings with 31 points from 18 games, six points ahead of Wolves in ninth.