Why Edinson Cavani could be Manchester United’s most vital forward

Manchester United's Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on May 18, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United's Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on May 18, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Edinson Cavani has been one of the most prolific strikers across all of Europe over the past decade and was one of Manchester United’s best players last season.

The Uruguayan striker possesses all the qualities that a top European club would want in their number one striker. And it is hard not to feel that the 34-year-old is one of the most underrated players of his generation.

During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, there were the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at the club as well. While in the Uruguayan national team, there has been Luis Suarez.

According to stats from Transfermarkt, Cavani scored 17 goals and provided 6 assists across all competitions last season for the Red Devils. And towards the end of the campaign, he was looking like perhaps the best striker in the entire Premier League.

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Cavani could be very vital to Manchester United this season

The Red Devils bolstered their attacking options this summer with the addition of Jadon Sancho. However, it is Cavani who could still be the most vital forward of this team.

It is not just about the goals he scores. His role as a senior member in the team, could benefit the likes of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial as well. At 34 years of age, he might not be the long-term solution up top. But he might very well leave his fingerprints on the long-term future of the club.

One of the best traits that the Uruguayan striker possesses is his ability to make effective runs into the box and be a goal threat in different ways. After Romelu Lukaku’s departure, Manchester United had lacked that kind of a striker.

Cavani is known for being at the right place at the right time, and more often than not puts the ball in the back of the net. Moreover, with Sancho’s arrival, he will have another great player providing him with chances to score. Thus, with one season of Premier League experience under his belt, the Uruguayan striker could be even better this time around.